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It’s great to volunteer as an individual at a nursing home. Yet, sometimes it’s beneficial to volunteer with an established organization. Then you can benefit from their experience, resources, and support.
Today I’m highlighting four organizations that provide volunteers with opportunities to serve elders in a variety of settings, including senior living communities. You can find even more creative volunteer programs in this previous post.
Men’s Sheds
Most nursing homes have a population comprised of many more women than men. As a result, their activity programming often caters primarily to women. Here’s where the Men’s Sheds program can make a positive difference.
Originally developed in Australia in the 1990s to help improve the mental health of elderly males, Men’s Sheds now serve elders in 12 countries. While the program takes place in various settings, Sheds are becoming increasingly popular in nursing homes.
Traditional Men’s Sheds focus on woodworking, crafting, and repairing (fixing bicycles for kids, etc.). However, many Sheds have expanded to include other activities of interest to their members.
Nursing homes offering the Men’s Shed program report a variety of benefits, including:
- increases self-esteem
- encourages friendships
- decreases isolation and loneliness
- teaches new skills
- improves mobility
- promotes fun
Senior living communities hosting Men’s Sheds are always looking for volunteers. Responsibilities include helping develop new groups, assisting with activities, and fundraising for supplies. For more information, contact the Men’s Sheds Association.
American Association of Retired Persons
AARP is a membership-based organization that focuses on providing services for adults over the age of 50. However, their website offers lots of free resources for people of all ages who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of older adults.
One resource you’ll want to check out is their Friendly Visitor Kits. This site offers excellent ideas for volunteers interested in serving residents of senior living communities. You can find many other volunteer opportunities on the AARP website.
Little Brothers—Friends of the Elderly
LBFE has its roots in an organization founded in Paris in 1946. Over time, the concept has spread to ten countries around the world.
While many LBFE volunteers serve elders living in the community, residents of nursing homes and other senior living facilities are also eligible for their services. While programs vary among chapters, opportunities include:
- Elder Friends: Host activities such as holiday events, card games, crafts, and bingo.
- Friendship & Flowers: Deliver flowers and cookies to elders.
- Phone Companions: Share stories, laughter, and experiences through routine phone calls.
- CitySites: Bring students and elders together weekly to develop friendships.
- Visiting Companions: Provide one-to-one visits to promote companionship and connections.
For more information, please check out the Little Brothers website.
Reward Volunteers
The personal satisfaction we receive from serving others through volunteering is priceless. Yet, sometimes it’s encouraging to receive tangible rewards for our efforts. That’s where Reward Volunteers comes in.
Established by Cabot Creamery Co-operative, Reward Volunteers gives you an opportunity to win prizes when you log your volunteer hours on their website. The program is open to anyone age 13 or older and includes service to residents of senior living communities.
Reward Volunteers chooses monthly winners and an annual grand prize winner. Prizes include gift certificates, cash, and gift baskets. And if you volunteer for a nonprofit organization, they can also win prizes. You’ll find all the details on the Reward Volunteers website.
Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to volunteer in a senior living community? Then you’ll want to check out this excellent article from Graying With Grace.
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