nursing home volunteer opportunities near me

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Volunteering at Brookdale

Everyone has a different reason for why they volunteer. Some are motivated to give back to their local community or make an impact on those around them. Others seek volunteer opportunities to learn valuable skills or knowledge that can help them build a future career. 

No matter what your reasons are for volunteering, giving your time and energy to a senior living community is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Our residents have more wisdom and stories to share than you could ever imagine. From airplane engineers and artists to war veterans, you never know who you might meet, or what you might discover, at your local Brookdale community.

By volunteering, I am giving someone a chance to enjoy their life anew. I am hearing new stories and seeing a sparkle in the eyes of those I visit, all because I visited with them and acknowledged them and their life just as others did for my parents. After each visit I know it has been time well spent. Lee Touchberry Brookdale volunteer

What Are The Requirements to Volunteer?

In addition to a good attitude and dependability, Brookdale volunteers need to meet the following requirements: 

• Understand that volunteers are here for the benefit of the residents
• Be at least 16 years old unless participating as part of a school or church group
• Willing to submit to a background check and test negative for tuberculosis (TB)
• Complete simple paperwork and orientation

For more information on volunteering, please contact your local Brookdale community.

With A Giving Heart

A mother-daughter duo share their joy of flower arranging with residents.

Ways to Volunteer

Brookdale volunteers play an important role in the lives of our residents, and we view them as an essential part of our team. If you have a passion for seniors and are interested in giving your time, here are what some of our volunteer opportunities look like: 

Large group activities . Volunteers can help with everything from setting up and serving refreshments to distributing supplies during large group activities like picnics, holiday parties, and community outreach events.

Small group activities . If you want to help with small group activities, you can expect to spend more one-on-one time with our residents. Some of these activities may include art workshops, book club meetings and game time.

Individual activities. Sometimes volunteers can work with individual residents. They may be asked to read to a resident who is sight-impaired, help a resident with arthritis write a letter or simply visit with residents who aren’t as comfortable in large group settings.

Clergy services. Members of the clergy who come as individuals on a regular basis to provide religious services or one-on-one visits to residents are considered volunteers. 

Off-site excursions. These volunteers can accompany residents and staff on the community bus on a space-available basis. Alternatively, volunteers who wish to attend an off-site activity may meet the residents at the outing location.

We strive to provide volunteers with opportunities that line up with their interests, but availability varies with each community. We also don’t allow volunteers to do any work that is considered part of an associate’s job (like concierge, office duties, driving, serving in the dining room, etc.)

Each of our residents plays an important role in the life and vitality of their campuses, much like they would at home or within their community at large. If you live at a Brookdale campus and are eager to get involved and volunteer right where you live, look no further.

A few activities you might enjoy include:

• Arranging flowers for dining room tables
• Assisting in event planning and implementation
• Engaging in fundraising opportunities
• Placing flyers in mailboxes
• Assisting with activity programs
• Serving as a Welcome Ambassador or a member of Resident Council

While we don’t allow residents to do any work that is considered part of an associate’s job (like concierge, office duties, driving, serving in the dining room, etc.), we’re more than happy to find ways for you to get more involved in the day-to-day life where you live.

For more information on how you can volunteer as a resident, please speak to your local Brookdale community.

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Skilled nursing homes are constantly seeking dedicated volunteers to enhance the quality of life for residents through their kindness, patience, and enthusiasm. Many nursing home residents have no visitors; a volunteer that helps fill that void can be invaluable.  

If you are interested in committing to regular visits to a skilled nursing home in your area, take the following steps:

Contact the Activity Director at the facility. He/she is usually the point person for coordinating volunteer efforts. Some facilities may have a Volunteer Coordinator overseeing the volunteer program. If this is the case, the Activity Director can refer you to that person.

Discuss your interests or the interests of your organization and ask about volunteer opportunities at the facility. Are they a good match?

Realize that volunteers in skilled nursing facilities require background checks, some training/orientation, and proof of immunizations. These measures are all in place to ensure the ongoing health and safety of facility residents as well as volunteers.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers have not been allowed to visit nursing homes since March of 2020.  However, many facilities are using volunteers to help keep residents engaged with virtual activities.  Here are some examples of how volunteers can engage virtually with nursing home residents.

Click here to view some ideas on how to virtually connect with our seniors. ​

For skilled nursing and assisted living providers, the California Association of Health Facilities Volunteer Engagement project has also created a handbook and staff training video available for download at  www.cahf.org/volunteerprograms .

How to Volunteer at Your Local Nursing Home: 5 Steps

Updated 06/13/2022

Published 03/19/2020

Kimberly Charleson

Contributing writer, former long-term care admissions counselor and social worker

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Volunteering at a nursing home may be one of the most rewarding things you can do with your time. If you are considering becoming a volunteer in a nursing home, you may be welcomed with open arms wherever you choose to give your time.

Jump ahead to these sections:

• Step 1: Research Nursing Homes
• Step 2: Set up a Visit

Step 3: Applying and Additional Paperwork

Step 4: interview and background check, step 5: orientation and training, volunteering at a nursing home: frequently asked questions.

Volunteers can be utilized in many areas within a nursing home, such as assisting with activities , helping with mealtime, or playing an instrument for residents. 

With that said, there are some steps you should consider before grabbing your favorite musical instrument and running out the door. Nursing homes vary in their requirements and application process. We’ve distilled the process to volunteer at a nursing home in five main steps below.

Step 1: Research Nursing Homes 

Start with a basic search online, and culling options from there. Devise a list of your top choices of where you’d like to volunteer your time. You can select your top choices based on location, what the nursing home offers its senior residents , the size of the facility, or other factors.

After finalizing a list, you can find open volunteer positions in two ways. You can search for posted volunteer opportunities or by reaching out to a nursing home directly.

Volunteer websites

Some nursing home facilities choose to utilize online postings to get the word out about volunteer opportunities at their nursing home. Similar to a job board, the posting will have a job description and way to apply or get in contact with someone to start the application process. 

Helpful websites for volunteer opportunities include:

• Idealist.org
• Wholewhale.com
• Volunteermatch.com

Nursing home search 

If you prefer to look for a nursing home directly, this will lead to many more possibilities. A quick Google search of “nursing homes near me” will populate some responses, but there are also some dedicated websites that make it easy to find nursing home facilities based on location or name, including: 

• Medicare.gov

Create your list of the nursing homes you’d like to learn more about, and reach out to them directly.

Step 2: Set up a Visit 

Before making a final decision on your volunteer location, consider calling them and setting up potential times to tour the facility/facilities. At a nursing home, the best person to reach out to is the volunteer coordinator, who will guide you the rest of the way.

If you did not get this information from a volunteer website, you should first inquire about their need for volunteers, as mentioned in Step 1. Set up a time to come and speak with the volunteer coordinator and take a look around.

Be prepared

Although you are just touring, you never know who you will run into or what you might be able to do when you are there. Dress professionally, bring your driver’s license or another form of government ID, and any references you have.

Should you decide on the spot that this is the place for you, bringing those documents along can help you can get a start on any paperwork. Finally, be prepared to jump into an activity if the opportunity presents itself. 

Ask questions

Have your questions ready! Are you volunteering for fun or for school? Be sure to ask how hours are tracked and who manages volunteers if this is important for you. 

Other questions to consider asking include:

• How many hours per week can I expect as a volunteer?
• What are volunteers mostly used for?
• Do I have a choice in my assignments?
• Do I need a physical or any shots before starting?

Inquire about the next steps 

Even if you’re not sure about committing to this nursing home, ask what the next steps are. Have an idea of what the application and orientation process is and who you would get in contact with should you have any follow up questions. 

At this point, you still may have a few contenders and that’s ok. Facilities vary in their application, whether they be in-person applications or submitting a form online.

When you sit down to complete your application be sure to have adequate time to complete it. Don’t rush through questions, and make sure to convey your genuine interest in their facility and why you are choosing them to volunteer with them.

On top of submitting the application, double-check your government IDs and any other supplementary forms of identification. In addition, make sure to have trusted, useful references to provide in your application as well. Submit your application and follow up in a week or so if you do not hear from the facility before then.  

If your application was accepted, make sure to prepare for some form of an interview or mock volunteer session. As mentioned, nursing homes vary as far as their interview process, paperwork needed, training and orientation. 

An interview is a great way to make a positive first impression. Show up dressed appropriately, prepared with a copy of your resume, identification and anything further they may have asked you to bring along. 

During the interview, expect your interviewer to ask questions about prior experiences and why you want to be a part of their team. Much like a job interview, you may want to prepare your answers ahead of time to keep you relaxed and ensure you are not caught off guard. 

Here are some common interview questions:  

• Why do you want to volunteer with us?
• Have you worked with senior citizens before? 
• If so, what was your experience?
• What do you hope to get out of your experience volunteering with us? 

It’s also a good idea to have questions ready for your interviewer. Similar to questions you may have asked during your tour, you may ask about the next steps or what to expect as a volunteer. 

A nice bonus is to send a thank you card or email to your interviewer thanking them for the opportunity to interview, reiterating your interest in the volunteer position and stating you look forward to hearing from them soon. 

Criminal background check

A background check is a requirement to work in a nursing home. The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid website states that volunteers are subject to the same scrutiny as an employee, and therefore must undergo a criminal background check. 

Drug testing is also a standard practice within the industry with direct care as well, so volunteers should expect to need to submit to a drug test.

Volunteers will be working with nursing home residents directly, and may need to be familiar with the same policies and procedures as employees. Whatever specific practices a facility may have volunteers undergo, there are some crucial aspects that need to be taught and understood by the volunteer.

• Job description : The volunteer should be fully understanding of their responsibilities, expectations and the scope of their job as a volunteer. A job description is often presented to the volunteer in writing and is agreed upon and signed. 
• Infection control : Volunteers should be educated about the risk, signs, and procedures around infection and infection control. 
• Abus and neglect : Abuse and neglect prevention should be discussed and explained. Orientees should be educated on ways to recognize as well as respond to abuse and neglect. 
• Safety : Explanation of fire safety procedures and other emergency situations. 
• HIPAA : Health Insurance Portability and Affordability Act (HIPPA) should be explained to volunteers and agreed that confidentiality should be preserved for residents.

Volunteer training may not be required. Volunteers are not qualified or certified to do nursing or clinical care for residents, so there is no expectation for them to undergo additional training for specific direct care. 

Once you’re all set with orientation, you’re ready to go. You may feel nervous on your first day, and that’s normal. Even if your first assignment isn’t your favorite, keep in mind that you are making a difference and learning something new. Lastly, don’t forget to keep track of your hours if needed.

Before committing to volunteering, make sure you have all of the information. Here are some of the most common questions people have about volunteering at a nursing home. 

How old do you have to be to volunteer at a nursing home?

There is not a strict rule with this since volunteering can involve so many different things. The best way to find out is to ask the facility you would like to volunteer with directly. 

What are some duties a nursing-home volunteer might be responsible for?

Volunteers are so helpful to nursing homes because they can help and support staff and residents in so many ways!

They can provide entertainment, assist with transportation, sit with residents for the company, help run activities, be an extra set of eyes and ears, assist with meal times, and many more things. 

Why should people volunteer at a nursing home?

Volunteers are highly regarded and greatly appreciated no matter where they are.

Nursing home volunteers may not only feel the reward of giving back to the elderly, but they get advice from wise senior citizens every day. You may also find yourself developing a close and new friendship with some of the folks you’re helping.

Your Choice to Volunteer is a Noble One 

If you are choosing to give your time to others, you owe it to yourself to make sure you choose a place you enjoy. 

When choosing the nursing home to volunteer at, make sure you align with their vision and believe in their mission. The nursing home you choose will be lucky to have you, your help is truly appreciated.

• Leading Age Ohio. “CMS Clarifies Rule on Volunteers, Contractors.” www.leadingageohio.org/aws/LAO/pt/sd/news_article/165500/_BLANK/ebulletin_layout_newsletter_details/false

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NursingHomeVolunteer.com

Enhancing the Lives of Nursing Home Residents One Volunteer at a Time

50 Things To Do As A Nursing Home Volunteer

December 18, 2018 by Diane 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

Recently, I was chatting with a woman who volunteers at a local nursing home. She expressed frustration and spoke of possibly checking out other facilities.

This woman explained that she’s eager to make a difference in the lives of the residents. But whenever she goes to the nursing home to volunteer at her assigned time, the staff rarely have anything for her to do.

This made me feel discouraged. You see, I’ve worked in a few different nursing homes during my career, and I know the needs are great. Moreover, volunteers can help meet so many of these needs—for both the residents and the staff.

I encouraged her not to give up. Rather, I urged her to make an appointment to meet with the volunteer coordinator and share her concerns. Then the two of them can discuss her interests and skills, as well as the needs of the nursing home. Together, I’m certain they can come up with meaningful assignments.

Are any of you in a similar situation? Today I’m sharing a list of 50 things you can do as a nursing home volunteer.

1. Lead an exercise class

2. Wash windows

3. Do manicures

4. Help with gardening

5. Answer the phone at the reception desk

6. Walk the facility dogs

7. Play a musical instrument

8. Help with fundraising

9. Play cards

10. Escort residents to clinic appointments

“The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.”  (Terri Guillemets)

11. Set/style hair

12. Lead a Bible study

13. Help in the dining room during meals

14. Decorate for holidays

15. Mend clothing

16.  Distribute mail

17. Help put together jigsaw puzzles

18. Teach residents to use a computer

19. Wash wheelchairs & other equipment

20. Do a comedy routine

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”   (Sherry Anderson)

21. Help at the onsite childcare center

22. Escort residents on outings

23. Play board games

24. Be a BINGO caller

25. Bring a pet to visit

26. Do hand massages with lotion

27. Read to residents

28. Help residents write letters

29.  Ask a resident to teach you something

30. Set up/clean up for special events

“Volunteers are love in motion!” (author unknown)

31. Visit with residents and listen to their stories

32.  Lead special interest groups

33. Transport residents to meals, activities, and rehab sessions

34. Help with crossword puzzles or word searches

35. Shine residents’ shoes

36. Teach a resident to use a Smartphone

37.  Lead sing-a-longs

38. Help in the coffee shop or gift shop

39. Become a volunteer ombudsman

40. Decorate bulletin boards

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”   (Elizabeth Andrew)

41. Help with worship services

42. Assist with craft projects

43. Rearrange funeral flower arrangements into individual bouquets

44. Do clerical tasks (faxing, copying, envelope stuffing)

45. Escort residents outdoors in pleasant weather

46.  Lead an indoor walking group

47. Document life stories

48. Bring babies to visit

49. Greet visitors at the front desk

50.  Lead a baking/cooking class

What did I miss? What else do you do when you volunteer at the nursing home? Please let us know in the comment section.

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Reader Interactions

Brandi King says

December 21, 2018 at 7:44 pm

Hi, My name is Brandi. I am a single woman who lives in Santa Monica. I am an actress and when I’m not working I have lots of time on my hands. I can visit with patients or do whatever is needed is needed around the home. Saturdays are often open in my schedule.

December 21, 2018 at 10:23 pm

Hi Brandi, That’s wonderful. I’m sure the residents greatly appreciate your being there for them.

Drema Sovine says

August 30, 2021 at 7:29 am

how about feeding them, if they need help.

August 30, 2021 at 8:17 am

Hello Drema, Thank you for bringing this up! Most nursing homes welcome extra help at mealtimes. However, assisting residents with eating usually requires specialized training and falls under specific federal and state regulations. If volunteers are interested in assisting with meals, I encourage you to talk with your volunteer coordinator.

Diana Wehbe says

May 22, 2022 at 4:20 pm

Pray with them.

May 22, 2022 at 4:23 pm

Hello Diana, Yes, that’s an excellent addition to the list. Thanks for commenting!

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Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years of Dedication Towards Ending Isolation and Loneliness in the Lives of Seniors!

Friend to Friend America is celebrating its 50th year of service, dedicated to ending isolation and loneliness in the lives of seniors living in long term care communities. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the incredible support and contributions from individuals who share our passion for creating meaningful connections and improving the lives of seniors.

Over the past five decades, Friend to Friend America has tirelessly worked towards fostering companionship, social engagement, and emotional well-being among seniors. We firmly believe that no one should feel alone or isolated, especially during their golden years. Our dedicated team, volunteers, and supporters have made a significant impact on countless lives, bringing joy, laughter, and friendship to seniors in need.  

Our Mission

To end loneliness in the lives of seniors, one senior at a time, “Friend to Friend”. Friend to Friend America recruits and trains volunteers in the community to visit lonely and isolated seniors.

Friend to Friend America Can Help

Would you like a visitor? Do you know someone that could benefit from a visiting friend? Are your parents or grandparents living miles away? Are you unable to get there to visit as often as you would like? Would your relative enjoy the company of a friend? Fill out our request form today!  Please note, at this time, our service area is limited to Washington State.

We are a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit and nearly 100% volunteer staffed. Friend to Friend America depends entirely on individual donations and grants for its support. The nature of the program does not lend itself to charging for ‘services.’ Don’t have time to volunteer but still want to help? Please donate today!

Volunteer Today

Friend to Friend America recruits and matches volunteers to visit (one-to-one) with elderly and disabled persons who live in nursing, assisted living, retirement, and adult family homes to form friendships. The volunteer friends commit to visiting at least twice a month at their convenience for a minimum of one year. Anyone may volunteer; a background check and training are required. We are sorry, but we cannot assist with court-ordered community service. Do you have the heart to serve? Please get in touch with us at  [email protected] for an application.