How to Volunteer at a Nursing Home

Volunteering at a nursing home can be a rewarding experience for anyone of any age. Many seniors cannot care for themselves and need help and support from others. Nursing homes rely on volunteers to assist in duties that their staff may not be able to perform due to overwhelming obligations in other areas. Homes appreciate any time you can give.

Instructions

1. Look up nursing homes in your city. Search online or in your local yellow pages.

2. Visit the homes that you may wish to volunteer in and inquire about their volunteer programs.

3. Apply to be a volunteer at the home of your choice.

4. Begin training on the agreed upon date. Show up promptly for your training shift.

5. Understand what duties you are asked to perform, and make sure you are comfortable doing these duties.

6. Advise when you are available, and schedule a shift each week to work at the home. Work the same shift each week so you can develop rapport with a patient or group of patients.

7. Show up and work at your assigned times each week. You may be asked to distribute juice to the patients, read to a patient or escort the patient outside so he can get some sunshine and fresh air.

8. Let the home know when you cannot come due to vacation or other events. The nursing home counts on you to be there.

Resources

• Get advice on seniors from the American Association of Retired Persons.
• Learn about volunteer opportunities at the VolunteerMatch website.
• Find local organizations with the help of the Yellow Pages.