I'd like to work with the elderly...???

Question

I'd like to work with the elderly in a nursing home... you know, talking to them, eating lunch with them, etc.

How do I do this? Do I just call a local nursing home and ask if they need volunteers?

I don't want to be taking out the trash or washing dishes at the home all the time- I'd just like to spend time with the elderly and give them a friend to talk to.

Also, I've heard about programs where you visit the elderly/sick in their homes? You know, keep them company, help around the house.. how can I sign up for something like this??

thanks!

Answer 1

some hospitals and companies will pay to train you to become a home health care aide either medical or non medical. Call the hospital and ask what company offers this.

They pay well and you go to their homes. My friend does this.

Answer 2

Indeed, you call the nursing home (you will probably have to call more than one). You will go through an orientation where they will talk to you about volunteering, what you would like to do, etc. They will also give you some training to help you work appropriately with seniors.

Answer 3

You could check with nursing homes in your area; try asking for the "Activities" department-they may have a volunteer program you could participate in. There are also faith-based groups that have volunteer programs that periodically visit residents in nursing homes-if you belong to a Church or Temple, find out if there are volunteer programs in your area.

Another idea might be your local "Meals on Wheels" programs. Volunteers deliver food and visit with older people in their homes. Here is a link to the national website:

http://www.meals-on-wheels.org/

A good way to find out about volunteer programs that serve senior citizens in your community is to contact your Local Area Agency on Aging. Here is a link to State Agencies on Aging, find your State, and the State website should give you links to your local Agency:

State and Area Agencies on Aging

http://www.aoa.gov/eldfam/How_To_Find/Ag...

Other places to look are your local United Way or Information and Referral hot line (try dialing 2-1-1 from your home phone). You could also try a website like Volunteer Match:

http://www.volunteermatch.org/volunteers...