As I work in different areas of social work, I learn things.  Many times, every day comes with a new lesson.  There have been sad lessons, and happy ones.  I tend to learn more from the sad ones, but the happy ones are good too.  The longer I am in this profession, the more I understand that some people have so much support that brings them joy, but many have little support which puts them at risk.  They are at risk for loneliness, financial issues, loss, and sadness.  As a therapist who has worked with so many different populations, there are so many people who need help and support, and protection.

                The internet has been a blessing and a curse for many people.  We meet people over the internet, start relationships, and share information.  Most of the time, information is a blessing.  The internet can help people feel less alone.  It can provide information and support for caregivers who are often homebound with their loved ones.  It can help people with information about an illness and lead someone to reach out to a doctor for a problem that needs immediate attention.  Most of the internet is good, but there are dark sides that can hurt people.  People who want to take money or other things from people.  There are people stealing money, information, and even the lives of people that trust them.

                As much as I would like to think that everyone on the internet, and in person, have the best and honest intensions, I know that is not the case.  I have heard too many stories of people being taken advantage of by others.  I know that I would protect my parents, or kids, with all I had, but I’m surprised by how other families don’t protect each other.  So many older adults are being victimized, losing money and assets because there are no family members looking out for them.  Many older people have few assets, but they are still targets for thieves.  They are victimized by others, but they are also victimized by family.  I’m always surprised that family doesn’t protect each other, but it happens more frequently than it should.

                I know there are people that wouldn’t accept help, but there are others that need help and guidance.  My grandmother was one of them.  When my grandfather passed away, she had no idea how to even pay a bill or manage other financial issues.  Her children stepped in to protect her, her home, and her care.   There are so many people that need that same level of support.  I know I would do the same for my parents, and my brother would as well, but there are other people that have no one to advocate for them.  Whether it’s your neighbor, grandmother, grandfather, parent, or friend, we need to help each other. 

                Offer support to others.  Even if they decline, or make choices that put them at risk, you can at least try.  I know that we can’t always make sure that nothing bad happens to people, but I wish we could try more.  It’s not our job to make others happy, or protect them from all the events of life, but offering support when they need it would help them and you.  Helping others can help them find happiness, and help you as well.  It’s part of being happy, for life.