Reasons to Volunteer at an Assisted Living Community

Volunteers are important members of assisted living communities who offer their time, talents, and skills to enhance and benefit the lives of senior residents. These communities rely on their volunteers for a number of things including help with planning fun activities and programs that work to keep senior adults active and engaged with others. Volunteers also play a big role in helping seniors with transportation needs like trips to the hair salon, doctor appointments, and other scheduled outings.

Many volunteers choose to become involved in an assisted living community because they have a special interest in working with the elderly, and have a great appreciation for the wisdom and generosity of older adults.

Regardless of age, volunteering offers many benefits to everyone who chooses to freely give their time to the elderly. From children to senior citizens, the act of volunteering provides individuals with these benefits:

– The feeling of making a difference in the world and the lives of others
– A strong sense of purpose
– More positive things to focus on instead of dwelling on personal problems
– Provides social interaction for those who may feel isolated or alone/

– Encourages physical activity for those who may lead a more sedentary lifestyle, thereby improving their overall health and well-being

When older adults reach retirement, they can often feel like there is nothing left for them to do. Volunteering in an assisted living community provides a meaningful way to spend their extra time.

As a matter of fact:
– Volunteering provides great opportunities to make new friends in the community
– Volunteering has proven to keep the minds of senior adults sharp and active

– Seniors who volunteer are less likely to lose mobility because they are more physically active
– Numerous studies have shown that seniors who volunteer tend to live longer than those who don’t

If you are thinking about volunteering in an assisted living community, here are some other great benefits to keep in mind:

Support Families

Whether by choice or need, facing the decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility can be overwhelming for family members. When you volunteer, you provide family members of senior adults with peace of mind knowing that their loved one is getting extra time and attention from those who are there to support them and help them adjust to being part of a new community.

They can also rest easy knowing that volunteers are there to help their loved one with a multitude of tasks and needs from getting the newspaper to reading a book, from helping write a letter to helping a senior put on their shoes, and just about everything in between.

Improve the Lives of Seniors

According to the American Psychological Association, loneliness is directly related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. By serving as a volunteer in a senior living community, you are able to provide lonely seniors with the social interaction they crave and need. It’s also a great opportunity to make new friends with more social interactions for yourself. Consider the difference just a few hours of your time can make in a senior’s life when you provide them with something as simple as an engaged conversation.

Responsibilities and requirements for volunteers can vary by location, but the chance to build meaningful relationships while improving the lives of seniors is the same. Having a conversation, giving a manicure, accompanying a senior on an outdoor walk, hosting a book club, playing board games are all great ways to provide seniors with the support and encouragement they need.

Conclusion

Volunteering provides valuable benefits and experiences in every facet of life. When you give your time to others it not only benefits them, but your life as well.

Jurney’s Assisted Living offers a discerning residential environment for those who, for whatever reason, should not live alone, but do not require skilled nursing care. Residents live as independently as they wish here, with the calm assurance that help is always available should they require assistance with their activities of daily living.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities that make a difference in the lives of seniors in our community, contact us today to learn more.