Volunteer work is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling activities one can experience in life. Being able to step out of your comfort zone and provide much-needed assistance with no payment can give you a strong sense of purpose. More importantly, it teaches us about the frailties and realities of life, reminding us to be grateful for what we have.
Now there are many avenues for volunteer work, but one of the most impactful is volunteering at a senior housing facility. It is a straightforward way to express your respect for the elderly. On their end, your presence in the facility gives them excitement and joy because they’ll be meeting new people.
Organizing volunteer work or outreach programs is not an easy task. However, knowing the necessary steps to organize one can make things easier and lighter for you. Hence, here are some ways to help you organize successful volunteer work at a senior housing facility.
Set Your Objectives for Volunteer Work
Everything must start with an objective. Outline the main purposes of this volunteer work, then list down attainable goals. Achievable objectives may include the following:
- Emotional support – To provide emotional support to residents who haven’t been in touch with their family for a long time
- Entertainment – To entertain residents by conducting activities, shows, and games for them
- Leisure Time – To pamper residents by giving free personal services to them
Gather People with the Necessary Competency
After setting an objective, you need to get volunteers with the necessary competency. For example, you need to look for professional MCs to host your activities. If you’re planning to give a free manicure, pedicure, or hair treatment, you need cosmetologists for that project. You’d also want to consider the required logistics for your event.
It’ll be quite handy to have some muscle with you if there’ll be a lot of stuff to carry or bring. Also, ask some friends with cars or pick-ups to sponsor a free ride to other volunteers. If you know someone who cooks, you can also ask them if they’d like to donate food for the event.
Coordinate with Senior Housing Facilities
The most important part of the process is coordinating with the senior housing facility. Given all that planning and organizing, it will all go to waste if you don’t have a senior housing facility in mind. Fortunately, most senior communities are open to volunteer work or events within their facility. However, not all of them would be willing to let you conduct a full-blown event.
Aside from events, volunteer work that senior housing facilities may allow the following:
- Nursing assistance like assisting in-house nurses in dealing with seniors having special needs
- Medical assistance (only if you’re a licensed medical professional)
- Kitchen assistance like cooking, preparing and serving meals, and cleaning the dishes
- General assistance like buying supplies, ingredients, and other errands
Host Fun and Exciting Activities for the Seniors
If the facility allows events, you can host entertaining shows that’ll give seniors a good laugh. Or you can showcase local talents by arranging song numbers, dance presentations, and even group performances. There can also be fun and easy games for the elderly. Heck, you even organize Sunday bingo afternoon if that’s what the seniors want.
If you’re looking for more fun and enriching activities for seniors, check out our article.
Pamper the Seniors by Applying Your Vocational Skills
Are you good at manicuring and pedicuring? Are you a massage therapist? Or do you know people who are good at those things? Seniors would love some pampering as well. They’d like a good manicure or even a relaxing foot massage. More so, giving it for free would delight them. By applying your skills and talents, you can make seniors happy. It would be rewarding to see them smiling and ecstatic about your work.
Conclusion
Volunteering at a senior housing facility can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. It is one of the best ways to “pay it forward” while also garnering valuable life experiences.