Helping hands in Rodenkirchen: Seniors find support!

Helping hands in Rodenkirchen: Seniors find support!

If there are problems in everyday life, it can become a burden - especially for older people. An initiative in Cologne-Rodenkirchen has taken on this problem: the “Helping Hands” of Diakonie Michaelshoven are ready to provide support. The group currently has 110 volunteers who offer free help with technical and practical matters, says Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

One of these dedicated helpers is Nicole Engelhardt, who recently helped a senior citizen with health insurance bills and thus provided noticeable relief. “Helping Hands” has existed since 2009 and is active in various parts of the city, including Rodenkirchen, Deutz, Porz, Hürth and Wesseling. There are currently a total of 15 volunteers in the Rodenkirchen district who provide both practical and technical help.

Support for everyone

More and more older people aged 70 or 80 are relying on support, but requests for help have recently fallen. Fear of “strangers” in the apartment may play a role here, and competition from established care services could also be a reason. Nicole Engelhardt, who also acts as coordinator, reports that 98 percent of requests can be handled without any problems. However, manual or physical care work is not part of the offer. In contrast, smaller tasks like changing a light bulb or putting up a picture are very welcome.

The volunteers are particularly helpful when it comes to accompanying authorities or filling out forms. A big advantage of this neighborhood help is its flexibility: people of all ages can make a request. So if someone feels the need for support, it can also happen spontaneously.

This is how you can find help or become active yourself

The “Helping Hands” offer is supported by Diakonie Michaelshoven and various collaborations. Anyone who needs help or would like to become active as a helper can contact the Rodenkirchen coordination office. This can be reached Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the mobile number 0173 9059135. Anyone interested can also call the Cologne telephone number 9956-1134 or send an email to a.albouyeh@diakonie-michaelshoven.de. The “Helping Hands Wesseling” also offers similar support services, such as attaching pictures or support with technical questions, as can be read on diakonie-michaelshoven.de.

These simplified assistance services are a valuable resource in the community and enable older residents in particular to cope with everyday life more easily. While the need for personal support may fluctuate, the willingness to help from committed citizens remains consistently high. Whether within the framework of neighborhood assistance or through specific programs: Where there is a will, there is a way.