Seasonal Depression and Senior Adults
January 18, 2022Enjoy the Season With Seniors This Spring
March 25, 2022Volunteers are valuable assets to residents who live in an assisted living community, so the easy answer is yes! If you have the skills, talents, and time to dedicate a few hours weekly or monthly to benefit the lives of senior adults, volunteering in a senior community is a great way to give back and enhance the lives of seniors.
Senior living facilities rely on their volunteers for a number of things. This could be anything from assisting with the planning of programs and activities that help seniors stay active and engaged, to transportation needs like trips to medical appointments, grocery shopping, community outings, and more.
Many people who want to volunteer their time choose to do so at an assisted living facility because they have a special interest in working with the elderly. They understand the value of seniors and have a strong appreciation for the generosity and wisdom of older adults.
Volunteering in an assisted living community is beneficial to all ages, from children to other seniors. The act of volunteering not only benefits those who are gifted with your time but offers you these benefits as well:
– Social interaction for people who feel alone or isolated.
– An improvement in overall health and well-being by providing physical activity for anyone leading a more sedentary lifestyle.
– Positive relationships to focus on instead of personal problems.
– A strong sense of purpose and the satisfaction of being needed by others.
– The rewarding feeling of making a difference in the world and the lives of others.
Older adults who have recently retired may feel as if there is nothing left for them to do or that those around them no longer need their guidance or assistance. Volunteering in an assisted living facility provides a meaningful way to overcome these feelings and offers retirees a rewarding way to spend their free time. As a matter of fact:
– Senior adults who volunteer regularly are much less likely to lose mobility because they are being more physically active.
– Studies have shown that volunteering helps to keep the minds of seniors active and sharp.
– Numerous studies have also shown that seniors who volunteer their time tend to live longer than those who don’t.
– Volunteering offers a lot of opportunities to build new friendships in the community.
If you are considering becoming a volunteer in an assisted living community, here are some other great benefits to keep in mind:
Your Time Will Help Improve the Lives of Seniors
The American Psychological Association says that loneliness is directly related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Seniors who are alone or may not have family nearby need and crave social interaction, and volunteering your time is a great way to help them combat the feelings of lonliness. You also gain the added bonus of making new friends for yourself.
Volunteering your time can make a huge impact in the life of a senior when you offer them something as simple as an engaged conversation. Volunteer requirements and responsibilities will vary by facility, but the ability to build meaningful relationships that help to improve the lives of seniors remains the same.
Your Time Helps Support Families
Family members of seniors living in senior care facilities get peace of mind knowing that volunteers are there to offer companionship and to help their loved ones with a variety of tasks including putting on their shoes, taking a walk around the facility grounds, learning new technology, reading a book, organizing a closet, and just about everything in between.
Seniors reside in an assisted living community out of either choice or need. Regardless of the reason, however, family members may feel overwhelmed and stressed when faced with the fact their loved one is moving into a facility. Volunteers help to ease the minds of these family members when they know that their loved one is getting extra time and attention from individuals who are there to help them adjust to their new surroundings, and offer the extra support their loved one needs.
Conclusion
Volunteering offers so many meaningful experiences and valuable benefits to everyone. Giving your time to help others benefits not only seniors but you as well.
Terrace Ridge offers a discerning residential environment for those who, for whatever reason, should not live alone, but do not require skilled nursing care. Here, residents can live as independently as they wish, 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.