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As weeks of social distancing drag into months, nursing homes miss their volunteers, and volunteers miss their residents. That’s why I’m excited to see the recent guidelines allowing the gradual reopening of senior care communities.
I know this will be a lengthy process, and it’s unclear when volunteers may resume contact with the residents. Have you kept in touch with your volunteers while they’ve been away from the nursing home? If not, you risk losing these precious members of the team.
One way you can stay connected is by sending notes to your volunteers. Let them know that they’re missed, and how much you look forward to the day when they can return.
It’s also helpful to send regular emails letting volunteers know what’s happening at the nursing home. You can include information about what you’re doing to keep residents and staff safe from COVID-19. They’ll also enjoy hearing about the special activities you’re providing for your residents.
When the time comes for volunteers to return, be sure to provide education so they’ll feel safe when re-entering the building. Share specifics of what they can expect and where to find answers to questions.
In the meantime, there are lots of ways your volunteers can remain involved with the nursing home even though they can’t enter the building. Here are ten of my favorites:
1. Sew items at home. Depending on the needs of the residents, this might mean cloth masks, lap blankets, or storage bags for walkers.
2. Care for outdoor plants. Volunteers can help with planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting.
3. Provide outdoor entertainment residents can watch from windows or balconies. Possibilities include dance, music, or parades.
4. Send letters and cards to residents.
5. Offer video visits with residents. The possibilities here are endless. You might:
- Do a craft project together.
- Sing with or to a resident.
- Hold a book club or book discussion.
- Interview a resident to document their life story.
- Play Bingo or other games.
- Read to a resident.
- Provide a Bible study or other type of spiritual care.
- Exercise with a resident.
6. Encourage staff by cheering for them when they arrive or leave work.
7. Write thank-you notes to donors.
8. Do research for the nursing home. Options may include looking for creative activities to offer while social distancing or finding new fundraising possibilities.
9. Provide one-to-one window visits. You might include pets, children, or entertainment such as juggling or magic tricks.
10. Host fundraisers to provide special activities or supplies for the residents.
Now it’s your turn. What is your nursing home doing to keep volunteers involved during the pandemic? Please share in the comment section.
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