How to Make a Difference As a Volunteer In An assisted-Living Facility

We are facing a growing concern with the life expectancy of the average American now at 77 years old. This means there are 1.3 million senior adults in assisted-living facilities. You can make a difference by volunteering for a healthcare facility.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• vehicle
• contact local church or healthcare facility
• Cards
• Nail Polish
• Hymn Books
• Give up some of your free time
• Compassion

1. 
    
   Elderly citizens in heathcare facility

   Call your local heatlthcare facility or your church, and explain that you are interested in assisting the elderly or seniors who are homebound and need additional care. You do not have to be certified in CPR to do this. You just have to have a compassionate heart.

2. 
    
   offer to paint their finger nails

   Don't worry about planning what you're going to do. Most seniors just love someone to sit and talk with them. Bring a book to read to them, offer to paint their nails, bring a deck of cards to play with or hymn books to sign songs with them. Many seniors love the old-fashioned church hymns, enjoy having someone to sing with them. You don't need to have a great voice to sing, just sing with them.

3. 
    
   Greet your senior citizen at their eye level

   Remember that most seniors are wheel-chair bound, so it's great to communicate eye-to-eye with them, either on your knees or seated facing them. It's very soothing to a senior to be greeted like this.

4. 
    
   Touch, pat or hug a senior citizen

   Some seniors may have difficulty enunciating, or with their vocabulary. Not to worry, most are able to smile and say hello. Respond to them by saying "I understand", or "It's so good to see you again". Don't hesitate to hug, or pat their hands, many seniors crave for someone other than staff to touch them and acknowledge them.

5. 
    
   Realize seniors may be suffering with many pains.

   Prepare yourself for the "grumps". Many are in pain from arthritis, or infections, or may blame God or their families for having to be in a healthcare facility. Remember, they are frustrated with their present situation, they aren't angry with you. They are just trying to deal with pain, disease or loneliness. Don't give up your volunteering because of a few people. All in all, you are needed and your company is enjoyed by most seniors.

Tips & Warnings

• Be cheerful, but don't overdo it.
• Throughout your visit, look them in the eye, and repeat who you are if they seem to have some form of dementia
• You will receive more blessing from visiting them, than they from you
• Becoming attached to a senior citizen is going to affect you if they die
• Some hurting people are downright mean, and do not want your company, respect their requests.

[stndgfrm]

on 3/13/2009 I am a nurse who has worked in nursing homes. The last place I worked, my daughter volunteered on some of the evenings that I worked. The residents loved her and looked forward to spending time with her, talking to her and doing crafts with her. Even the special needs residents had really enjoyed having her around.

[DianeD]

on 1/27/2009 we all need to care a little more and cherish the wisdom of the elderly

[DulceMaria]

on 1/24/2009 Thanks for this great article. There is a tremendous need in this field. Lots of seniors that usually don't even have anybody visiting them, and just to have someone visit them and talk to makes a difference in their life.

[Cherst1031]

on 1/21/2009 This is a very compassionate article that encourages volunteering in an assisted living facility. I especially agree with Step 5, when I worked in this field there were people who had medical issues that made them "not themselves" - try not to take it personal! This can be a very rewarding pursuit.

[StoneBridgeFarm]

on 1/20/2009 This is sooo needed!