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Urgent Need for Volunteers!

The Red Cross welcomes volunteers in all of our service areas. However, at this time, there are a few roles that need to be filled most urgently. If you are open to exploring those opportunities, please click the button below. 

Learn About Volunteer Opportunities

The vital work of the American Red Cross is made possible by people like you who contribute their unique backgrounds, talents and skill levels. Our needs change based on current events, adding flexibility to get you involved in an area that inspires you!

Explore typical opportunities on this page, or browse our offerings in your area:

Your Local Red Cross Needs You

We have volunteer opportunities to match a wide range of interests and time commitment. Below just some of the ways you can get involved with the mission of the Red Cross and serve your community. Contact your local chapter or search current openings in your area to find out more about what is available near you.

Contact your local chapter

Take a Leadership Role

Board Members

Serve on local boards and help with fundraising and marketing programs. Be the face of the Red Cross in your community and ensure we are serving your community well.

Volunteer Services

Assist with volunteer recruitment, placement, record keeping and recognition.

Community Volunteer Leader

Community Volunteer Leaders (CVL) act as a “face of the Red Cross” to the community and focus upon recruiting volunteers and managing key local relationships. 

Support the Red Cross Blood Team

Blood Donor Recruiter

Work with individuals, groups and companies to recruit blood donors and promote blood drives.

Blood Drive Volunteer

Greet and register blood donors.

Pick up donated blood units from a blood drive and deliver to the laboratory to be thoroughly tested and then sent to the hospital. 

Help During a Crisis

Disaster Services

Provide food, shelter, and comfort for families affected by major disasters such as fire, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Disaster Action Team

Quickly respond to single-family fires in teams of two or more to ensure those impacted have a safe place to stay, food to eat, clothes to wear and their life sustaining medication.

Educate Others

Disaster Preparedness Presenter

Educate individuals and groups on how to be prepared before a disaster occurs.

International Humanitarian Law Instructor

Facilitate classes and presentations to teach people about the Geneva Conventions and the rules of war which were born out of the Red Cross movement.

Support Our Armed Forces

Hospital Volunteer

Lend a hand to patients at Veterans Administration and military hospitals.

Armed Forces Caseworker

Ensure delivery of emergency communications for members of the military and their families. 

Assist with Fundraising Efforts

Special Events

Support fundraising and special events.

Thank a Donor

Make calls to thank Red Cross financial donors. 

Use Your Communication Skills

Grant Researching/Writing

Assist the fundraising team as they research, write and execute grants.

Provide presentations about Red Cross programs in the community.

Public Affairs

During disasters, tell the Red Cross story to your community.

Online Advocacy

Engage your friends and followers on the topics that matter to you: like your support of the Red Cross.

Provide Office and Warehouse Support

Assist with administrative tasks.

Logistics Support

Help with routine supply chain duties such as stocking supplies and checking inventory in warehouses, response trailers, store rooms or other locations.

Opportunities for Nurses and Nursing Students

Nurses have been vital to the work of the American Red Cross since 1888. Today, more than 15,000 of your fellow nurses are involved in providing disaster services, teaching and developing courses, managing blood drives and other leadership roles throughout our organization.

The Red Cross Nursing Network

National Nursing Awards

Student Nurse Volunteers

Jane Delano Scholarship

Opportunities for Young People

Over one-third of Red Cross volunteers are age 24 or younger. Being young is no barrier to being able to help people in need, in your community and around the world!

School Clubs

Create, plan and participate in service projects to help your school, your community and make an impact around the globe.

Find a Red Cross Club Near You

Start an Elementary, Middle or High School Club

Start a College Club

National Youth Council

Represent the 54,000 young Red Cross volunteers, advocate for youth involvement and advise Red Cross senior leadership on policies relating to young people.

Learn More About the National Youth Council

Youth Wire Newsletter

Internships

Gain hands-on experience in working for a non-profit! Exceptional undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply for summer internships at Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Learn About Internship Opportunities

Club Red Networking

Network with other socially-conscious professionals while planning social fundraising events and participating in community service projects. The groups also offer leadership development and mentoring opportunities.

Contact Your Local Chapter

Opportunities for Groups, Clubs and Businesses

Mobilize members and employees to demonstrate their commitment to making a difference through a range of activities that build community resiliency and save lives.

Contact your local chapter  to find specific opportunities in your area.

View Typical Opportunities

Disaster response.

Receive training in Red Cross Disaster Services, including community disaster education, mass care and sheltering.

Groups can also lend their facilities in times of disaster. Your local Red Cross chapter can tell you whether any of these opportunities are available in your area.

Preparedness, Health & Safety

Help the Red Cross deliver emergency and first aid safety information directly to area communities and families by providing local disaster education.

Service to the Armed Forces

Work with members of the military, veterans and families in military and VA health care facilities providing recreational and therapeutic services and supporting special events.

Educate Your Group

Ask  your local Red Cross chapter  about educational forums or speakers bureau opportunities for your organization or business to learn more about local Red Cross history, services and programs.

Biomedical Services

Host blood drives , recruit blood donors, and greet and register blood donors onsite.

International Services

Groups can support Red Cross international programs such as raising money for the the  Measles & Rubella Initiative or contributing to data projects on MapSwipe that aid NGOs delivering services around the world.

Volunteer Internationally

Help us spread hope around the world.  Find out more.

Restoring Family Links

The Red Cross works to reconnect families who have been separated by war or disaster. Your local Red Cross chapter may have opportunities for you to help overseas disaster victims find family members in your community.

Learn More About Restoring Family Links

International Humanitarian Law

Humanitarian principles are at the core of the Red Cross mission, and continuing this work requires inspiring and engaging the next generation. We offer engaging and challenging resources for students, teachers and law and policy professionals.

Learn About Humanity in War

International Disaster Response

Although many international disasters are managed and staffed by people living in the affected communities, volunteers with exceptional technical skills, Red Cross knowledge and disaster relief experience can apply to become part of our international disaster response roster.

Learn More and Apply

Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.

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.

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NursingHomeVolunteer.com

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

4 Unique Volunteer Programs Benefiting Elders

July 30, 2021 by Diane Leave a Comment

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 link.

It’s great to volunteer as an individual at a nursing home. Yet, sometimes it’s beneficial to volunteer with an established organization. Then you can benefit from their experience, resources, and support.

Today I’m highlighting four organizations that provide volunteers with opportunities to serve elders in a variety of settings, including senior living communities. You can find even more creative volunteer programs in this previous post .

Men’s Sheds

Most nursing homes have a population comprised of many more women than men. As a result, their activity programming often caters primarily to women. Here’s where the Men’s Sheds program can make a positive difference.

Originally developed in Australia in the 1990s to help improve the mental health of elderly males, Men’s Sheds now serve elders in 12 countries. While the program takes place in various settings, Sheds are becoming increasingly popular in nursing homes.

Traditional Men’s Sheds focus on woodworking, crafting, and repairing (fixing bicycles for kids, etc.). However, many Sheds have expanded to include other activities of interest to their members.

Nursing homes offering the Men’s Shed program report a variety of benefits, including:

• increases self-esteem
• encourages friendships
• decreases isolation and loneliness
• teaches new skills
• improves mobility
• promotes fun

Senior living communities hosting Men’s Sheds are always looking for volunteers. Responsibilities include helping develop new groups, assisting with activities, and fundraising for supplies. For more information, contact the Men’s Sheds Association .

American Association of Retired Persons

AARP is a membership-based organization that focuses on providing services for adults over the age of 50. However, their website offers lots of free resources for people of all ages who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of older adults.

One resource you’ll want to check out is their Friendly Visitor Kits. This site offers excellent ideas for volunteers interested in serving residents of senior living communities. You can find many other volunteer opportunities on the AARP website .

Little Brothers—Friends of the Elderly

LBFE has its roots in an organization founded in Paris in 1946. Over time, the concept has spread to ten countries around the world.

While many LBFE volunteers serve elders living in the community, residents of nursing homes and other senior living facilities are also eligible for their services. While programs vary among chapters, opportunities include:

• Elder Friends: Host activities such as holiday events, card games, crafts, and bingo.
• Friendship & Flowers: Deliver flowers and cookies to elders.
• Phone Companions: Share stories, laughter, and experiences through routine phone calls.
• CitySites: Bring students and elders together weekly to develop friendships.
• Visiting Companions: Provide one-to-one visits to promote companionship and connections.

For more information, please check out the Little Brothers website. 

Reward Volunteers

The personal satisfaction we receive from serving others through volunteering is priceless. Yet, sometimes it’s encouraging to receive tangible rewards for our efforts. That’s where Reward Volunteers comes in.

Established by Cabot Creamery Co-operative, Reward Volunteers gives you an opportunity to win prizes when you log your volunteer hours on their website. The program is open to anyone age 13 or older and includes service to residents of senior living communities.

Reward Volunteers chooses monthly winners and an annual grand prize winner. Prizes include gift certificates, cash, and gift baskets. And if you volunteer for a nonprofit organization, they can also win prizes. You’ll find all the details on the Reward Volunteers website .

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to volunteer in a senior living community?  Then you’ll want to check out this excellent article from Graying With Grace .

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Volunteer with Seniors

Guide to volunteering with seniors and elderly in your local community.

If you are considering volunteering with seniors , we have some helpful tips to get you started. We have broken down some of the best ways to volunteer your time with the elderly. Having a heart for our older community members is a special gift, and the time you spend volunteering with them will benefit you as much as them. Often, volunteers develop meaningful and cherished relationships with those they volunteer with, and the rich life experiences they can share are priceless. 

How to Volunteer with the Elderly

Seniors can face many challenges, from physical limitations to changes in their cognitive function as they age. There are various opportunities to assist the elder members of your community in navigating these challenges.

We will cover a few of the most common ways to volunteer with seniors and some less common opportunities to volunteer with seniors. We will also cover how to get started and prepare as well as what to expect from your volunteer work.

Volunteering with seniors can be a rewarding experience if you are prepared and aware of what may be asked of you. Some volunteer organizations may require background checks; for others, an application and interview may be necessary.

Getting Started Volunteering with Seniors

First, you will want to take a look at different options and decide what fits your interests and talents to make the best use of your time and talents. You should also take some time to determine how much time you are willing or able to volunteer each week or month.

Be honest with yourself about what type of time commitment you are willing and able to make. There is nothing wrong with volunteering for only a few hours a month or every day if that suits you best.

It is helpful to be realistic when it comes to your time so that you can make a meaningful commitment and be relied upon. It is better to volunteer a short amount of time than not at all, and it’s better to be honest about how much time you can commit than to overcommit and not be able to fulfill your role with an organization. 

So, once you know roughly how much you can volunteer and the frequency, you can see which opportunities fit within that framework. Think about your specific talents and interests to help lead you to a meaningful and enriching volunteer experience that is right for you. Whether you are an artist or musician, accountant or animal lover, there will be a volunteering opportunity that fits your interests and is a worthy cause to spend your time. 

Organizations

Many non-profits operate nationwide and have a wealth of resources for anyone looking to volunteer. If you need help finding a local volunteer opportunity, the following organizations are a great place to begin your search.

AARP offers many assistance programs for seniors in need, from meals and housing to transportation and health. They have local volunteer opportunities nationwide for anyone that is looking to get involved.

Find local volunteer opportunities near you by visiting Community Volunteer Opportunities with AARP Foundation

Volunteers of America (VOA)

Volunteers of America operates senior care centers throughout the US and provides many programs that offer affordable care for seniors including: meal programs, education, housing, transportation, and activities. Volunteers are always needed to assist with the variety of programs they offer nationwide.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a national organization that delivers low-cost meals to seniors at their homes. Volunteers can commit to as much time as their schedule allows, whether that be several times per week or only once per month.

Americorps Seniors Volunteers Program

Americorps is an organization that works with senior volunteers aged 55 and up. Through their Seniors volunteer program, senior volunteers give back to their community giving them a sense of purpose which leads to a longer and healthier life. A brief overview of their programs are listed below:

Foster Grandparent

Seniors work with infants, kids, children, and teens and serve as positive role models.

Seniors RSVP

Seniors volunteer in their community for anywhere from a few hours to 40 hours weekly.

Senior Companion

Seniors volunteer with other older adults and provide friendship and companionship which also helps relieve some of the duties of family caregivers.

For more information on their programs visit AmeriCorps Seniors

Ways to Volunteer with Senior Citizens

Socializing and mental health – prevent depression in seniors.

Time spent socializing could be one of the most helpful ways to volunteer with our seniors. Loneliness and isolation are extremely common problems for the elderly due to family or spouse loss, loss of mobility, and/or distance from extended family.

Many senior centers or senior housing have companionship programs that you can volunteer through. You may be required to submit a background check for the safety of the seniors. You can also check with your religious organization, as many offer programs for visiting seniors in the community on a regular basis. Holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving and special days like Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day are great times to plan visits.

Spending a little time with the elderly can be a cure for their loneliness and isolation. It can also be enlightening for the volunteer; hearing stories about a lifetime of unique experiences is invaluable. 

Another meaningful way of combatting isolation is taking seniors out for excursions or assisting them with errands. Many seniors have mobility issues or cannot drive themselves any longer. They may need assistance while grocery shopping or being taken to a medical appointment.

It can be overwhelming being alone, and having a companion along when they get out of the house can be immensely helpful. Having someone to escort them out for a meal or for a walk can do wonders for their mood and overall health.

Deliver Meals or Groceries

As mentioned above, many seniors live alone, and mobility issues may inhibit their ability to grocery shop or cook for themselves. If you know of a senior in your neighborhood, consider reaching out to offer help with dropping off a meal or taking care of their grocery shopping for the week.

If you can commit regularly, you should also look into the Meals on Wheels program. If you decide to volunteer with this program, you will be given a route to provide meals and safety checks for those living alone. The seniors on your route will learn to look forward to your regular visits and you can really do a lot of good.

You are taking care of a vital need, of course, which is ensuring they have food to eat and other necessities, but you are also a bright light in their week and can provide some much-needed socialization and interaction in their day. The short time you spend chatting with them while making deliveries can be as meaningful or more than the groceries or meals you drop off. 

Meals on Wheels can work around nearly anyone’s schedule and has flexible shifts available. So, whether you can volunteer once a week, or once a month, you can help seniors in need. There will be a central location for you to pick up meals and a route you will follow for meal drop offs in your area.

After you’re done, you simply drop off the packaging items and head on your way. You can spend one lunch break a week making a big impact on the seniors in your area or wherever you work. There are also many locations that have other mealtime routes in need of volunteers also.

https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

Transportation

Many seniors can no longer get around on their own safely. This adds to their isolation and can even be dangerous. Public transportation can be daunting or even unavailable in many areas. We take for granted our full freedom of motion and, for seniors, the limitations can cause all sorts of problems.

Consider offering to bring a senior in your community along to the grocery store with you, or offer to get them to any necessary appointments. Reaching out in your own neighborhood or community is best, but you can also look to organizations if you are more comfortable with that.

There may also be volunteer driver programs for seniors in your area. You can check with some senior communities local to you. Assisted living homes usually offer shuttle services to their seniors, but you can also check with these communities about escorting seniors for shopping and other errands. Seniors will often go without items they need or even miss appointments if they lack transportation. 

Even if they do still drive, they may not want to drive in inclement weather, so be sure to check in on them during those times. Driving in rain or in the dark can be difficult for many seniors, so offering a ride can make a world of difference to them.

Elder Helpers

Elder Helpers is a great site to check if you are interested in this type of volunteering. They will complete a background check and match you up with a senior in need of transportation or other needs. 

  https://www.elderhelpers.org/  

Another option is through AmeriCorps and their Senior Companions program. It is for people aged 55 and up, and will facilitate older adults by helping aging seniors in need with tasks such as transportation to events, appointments, and running errands. These simple acts can help seniors maintain their independence and stay in their own homes with just a little help now and then.

Volunteering in Assisted Living Centers

Many assisted living centers and senior communities offer enrichment for their residents through daily programs that keep them engaged and stimulated. Consider lending your talents to volunteer through one of these programs.

Painting or Art Lessons

If you are an artist, you can teach a small class of aspiring or life-long artists who may want to rediscover their own artistic passions.

Food and Meal Prep Information

If you are a health nut, offer a nutrition class with easy nutritious recipes. Often, seniors struggle to adjust their diets due to new health concerns or issues and also to cook for just one or two after decades of cooking for a whole family. Giving them useful information and skills to cook and better nurture their bodies will help them maintain more independence for longer.

Healthy Activities – Walk Outside

An athlete or avid walker can maybe start a walking club. Keeping active and fit will maintain a higher quality of life for our seniors and can do a world of good, including physical and mental health.

If you are a musician or singer, you can come and play a small concert for their entertainment. If you are crafty, you can come run a small craft project class.

If You Lack Experience Then Give Your Time

If you feel you don’t have a relatable talent or skill to offer, you could also volunteer to visit seniors. It doesn’t take much work to lend a listening ear, and it can do a world of good to combat loneliness and isolation. 

Check with your local assisted living centers and senior centers to see what programs they may be lacking. You can offer a monthly or weekly class or experience to brighten up the senior community. You may even be able to form a small group to make visits accessible to several members of the senior community.

There will most likely be an application and/or a background check and a brief volunteer orientation to ensure that volunteers know the rules of that community and maintain safety for both the volunteers and the seniors. 

Canine Companions For Independence – Dogs

Many seniors would benefit from an emotional support animal or therapy dog, especially if they live alone and/or have a physical impairment. Canine Companions  is an organization that matches canine pets with those in need. They are also a great place to start if you are interested in helping facilitate that for seniors.

There are different ways you can volunteer, such as being a “puppy raiser” or a “breeder caretaker”. There are also local chapters you can check into for ways to help at Canine Companions. A lot of effort goes into raising and training dogs for their role as companions and helpers. If you are an animal lover and have the room and experience in raising puppies, you can be a big help in that process. 

  https://canine.org/get-involved/ways-to-volunteer/

What to Expect: Volunteering with Seniors

If you haven’t volunteered with seniors before, you may be wondering what to expect. 

Well, if you are volunteering through an organization such as Senior Corps or at an assisted living facility, there will probably be a short orientation to prepare you for your experience. They will cover what is required on your behalf and also what you should expect and how to prepare for your first volunteering experience. Communicate questions or concerns that come up with the appropriate volunteer leader. 

If you are doing it on your own, you should know that the overall experience of volunteering with seniors is positive. Most seniors are very grateful for the socialization and interaction with volunteers. Be gracious and kind, show patience and understanding, and you will have a great experience. Some of the elderly people you will interact with may have physical limitations that are new to them. This can be frustrating and upsetting. Remember to be patient and calm when helping out. 

Some may be hard of hearing or have visual impairments. Be sure to ask ahead of time and accommodate for these issues. If you are aware they are hearing impaired, you should make an effort to speak clearly and face them when you are speaking to assist them in understanding your communication.

Overall, you may be surprised to realize that the time spent together will be mutually beneficial. You may end up forming quite a bond with the seniors you visit frequently, be prepared for their life to impact yours in a big and meaningful way. Volunteering is good for the soul. 

Where Can You Inquire About Opportunities to Volunteer

If you are unsure of how to start, check online and contact a local organization to see where your skills, knowledge, and experience might be of use. Try reaching out to any of the following in your city or town:

• Nursing homes
• Retirement communities
• Senior centers
• Assisted living center

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions For Volunteers

Why volunteer with senior citizens.

Volunteering with seniors can be quite a rewarding experience. Not only can you play a vital role and make a big difference in the lives of those you help, but you will often gain beautiful friendships and connections with them.

People often have a misconception about seniors. Many seniors are simply lacking interaction and stimulation. They are often eager to learn new things, tell captivating stories from the past, want to laugh, and form relationships along with all of us. Giving them an opportunity to share experiences with you will benefit you both.

What activities can you do with a lonely senior?

There are quite literally dozens of ideas for activities to engage with a senior you are visiting. Take into consideration any possible physical or cognitive limitations they may have and then consider their interests as well. We’ll list several ideas broken down into categories below.

Arts and Crafts such as: knitting, painting, clay, simple crafts, quilting, photography, needlework, and flower arranging.

Games: cards, chess, bingo, bridge, puzzles, crosswords, and various board games.

Clubs: gardening, book clubs, bird watching, or improv

There are many other activities or outings that can work well with visiting and volunteering with seniors. Offer a few ideas when you interact and see which idea may be of interest to them.

Is there somewhere to volunteer to clean elderly or disabled people?

Basic housecleaning can become difficult for senior citizens as they age. Volunteering to clean and tidy their homes can have a huge impact on maintaining their independence and keeping them in their own homes.

Organizations such as Elder Helpers can assist you with volunteering to clean for the elderly or disabled.  AARP.org  is another organization that has programs set up to help seniors who need a little extra help maintaining their homes and keeping them in order.

• Post author: Michelle Anne
• Post published: February 26, 2022
• Post category: Volunteer Opportunities

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Honored war veterans . Survivors of the Great Depression. Grandmothers who know how to darn a sock and bake the perfect apple pie. These people have lived the history we learned about in school -- and these are the people you can meet while working as a nursing home volunteer.

Nursing homes don't exactly have a reputation for being fun places to visit. But this is an unfair stigma.

The title "nursing home" correctly implies that the people who live in these homes will be provided with a nurse's care, but nurses aren't the only caregivers. Besides the obvious medical care, nursing home residents also need mental stimulation to keep their minds healthy. This stimulation comes in the form of games and activities - and this is where the fun comes in.

Nursing homes rely on volunteers to interact with their residents. They need volunteers to provide company for residents and assist in hosting dances, card games and bingo nights. Activities run by volunteers are an integral part of bringing the feeling of home to the nursing home. In fact, federal law requires any hospice receiving financial support from Medicare or Medicaid to have at least 5 percent of the care provided to residents done through volunteer workers [source: HFA ].

If you have an outgoing personality and enjoy interacting with people a generation or two older than yourself, you might try volunteering in a nursing home. In this article you'll learn about the basic requirements for a nursing home volunteer (including any training), the duties of nursing home volunteers and the benefits of working with the elderly.

You might not think that volunteering at a nursing home would be all fun and games -- but it actually can be. See the next page to find out about the many duties of a nursing home volunteer.

Nursing Home Volunteer Duties

Nursing home volunteer requirements, nursing home volunteer training, benefits of being a nursing home volunteer.

If you enjoy good conversations, playing cards, dancing, decorating, tidying up or being a shoulder to lean on, there's a nursing home volunteer position waiting for you.

• As a bingo volunteer, you can call out numbers and help players find called numbers on their cards.
• You can also give manicures -- glossy pink nails are a simple way to make someone feel young and pretty again. You don't have to be a professional manicurist or trim nails. All you need to do is apply nail polish and a bit of hand lotion.
• If you enjoy tidying up, you can make beds and help keep residents' rooms and common areas clean.

When you work as a hospice volunteer (more on this later) your level of interaction with the patient and his or her family will be much more personal. As hospice patients and their families prepare to say their final goodbyes, volunteers are available to provide emotional support.

For many volunteering positions, it's beneficial to work with the same resident and build a relationship. But if your schedule is too full for another weekly obligation, that's OK -- there are other ways to get involved. For example, volunteers are also needed to put together mailings for residents' families.

See the next page for information on how to get started as a nursing home volunteer.

Bulletin boards decorated with photos, cards and mementos are a clever way to add some zest to a dull room. If you know a resident whose room could use some brightening up, grab a corkboard -- in minutes you can build a colorful bulletin board. For this project, you'll need pictures, cards, mementos, ribbon, glue, tacks and an empty corkboard. Simply gather supplies with the help of your resident and begin decorating. For a more unified look, you might try choosing a theme, like a certain time of year or a favorite sports team.

Even within the borders of a single city, the requirements for volunteering in a nursing home can vary. Each individual nursing home has its own activities program and its own set of rules. The easiest way to determine the requirements for nursing homes in your area is to find a facility where you would like to work and contact the activities director.

For positions held by high-school-age volunteers the responsibility level is low. Typically, no formal training is necessary, but a general orientation given by the nursing home staff may be required. However, the majority of positions working with hospice patients -- even as a volunteer -- require some sort of training. The amount of training is dictated by the individual nursing homes.

In general though, here are a few guidelines you can follow when considering nursing home volunteer employment:

• For any job in a nursing home, you need to love being around older people. The main purpose of volunteers in a nursing home is to engage the residents, and you'll do this best if you're enjoying yourself.
• Do you know how to play bridge? Canasta? Because playing cards is a much more mental activity than a physical one, nursing homes are always looking for volunteers who are good card players.
• Some positions, even those with low responsibility, can have age stipulations. A common age requirement for high school volunteers is 15 years or older.
• Can you steer a wheelchair? Responsible "drivers" are often needed to transport residents to the departments within the home.

Some volunteer positions require a little more training than others do -- especially when you'd be working with hospice patients. Working with someone who doesn't have much time to live is not something you can just jump into. You need to be mentally ready. To find out how you can get the training you need to volunteer in a nursing home -- and be a hospice volunteer -- see the next page.

While there may be age limitations on formal volunteering jobs, you can be a visitor at any age -- young or old. Many residents enjoy seeing a friendly face and having someone to talk to. Some nursing homes do have specific visiting hours, so make sure to call ahead before dropping in.

Not all nursing home volunteer positions require training. The amount of training depends on the type of position you'd like. If you just want to hang out and play card games with the residents, most nursing homes don't require anything more than an application, a brief interview and an informal orientation.

For more involved positions, such as working one-on-one to provide support for a resident who has a limited life span, you'll need a little more training. Nursing home residents who don't have much longer to live are often put into hospice care. This is specialized care for someone who is preparing for death. This is a difficult time for patients and their family members, and it's important that those working in hospice care are properly prepared.

When you work in hospice care, your interaction will not just be with the patient as a caregiver. In many cases, you will also be available to the patient's family members who need spiritual or emotional support as they prepare to say goodbye to a loved one.

This situation can be emotionally draining for family members, and for someone on the outside -- like a volunteer -- it can be difficult to find the right words to say. That is why many programs require hospice volunteers to have training in emergency medical procedures , concepts of death and dying, and grief support. To find a hospice in your area, check out the Hospice Foundation of America's online hospice directory [source: Hospice Foundation of America].

Volunteering doesn't help only the residents of the nursing home - you can benefit, too. Want to know how? See the next page.

Nursing homes also welcome pet volunteers. Pet therapy is one more way residents can socialize and make new friends. Cats and dogs are both welcome, as long as they are calm and gentle.

When you volunteer in a nursing home you're almost guaranteed to make a few new friends. They may not be your usual crowd, but at one time -- believe it or not -- they were your age, and they can probably teach you a thing or two about life.

Not only will you make friends, but you will also be improving the lives of the people you meet. Moving away from your home and losing much of your independence is not easy -- especially after you've been independent for so long. Being able to share knowledge with a young person can help nursing home residents regain a little bit of the independence they lost.

Job experience is one more benefit to add to your list of reasons to volunteer. Although your position won't be paid, that doesn't mean you can't list your experiences on your résumé. And working with a well-respected organization can also give you another name to add to your list of references.

In addition to the personal benefits of volunteering , you'll also be providing an invaluable service to your community. There's no limit to the number of volunteers who can make nursing homes more fun and enjoyable for their residents. With more volunteers, homes can plan more special events and outings.

Want to know more about volunteering your time in a nursing home? See the next page for links to more information.

In a 2006 poll of 1,000 American families, 8 percent reported having a family member in a nursing home. Fewer than 50 percent of nursing home residents have regular visitors [source: Saad , Senior Source ]. In part, this is because a significant percentage of people in nursing homes don't have spouses or close relatives to care for them. As a volunteer, you can help reduce the number of lonely nursing home residents by donating a few hours of your time.

Volunteer Nursing Home FAQ

How do i find volunteer opportunities in my area, can a 13 year old volunteer at a nursing home, what do volunteers do at senior homes, what do you learn from volunteering at a nursing home, how can i help a lonely old person, lots more information, related howstuffworks articles.

• How to Become a Hospice Volunteer
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• American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). (Accessed 5/26/09). http://www2.aahsa.org/
• American Health Care Association (AHCA). (Accessed 5/26/09). http://www.ahcancal.org/events/national_nursing_home_week/Pages/default.aspx
• Christian Community Homes and Services. "Volunteer Opportunities." (Accessed 5/26/09). http://www.cchhudson.org/volunteer.html
• Forbes Hospice. "Volunteer." (Accessed 5/26/09). http://www.wpahs.org/hospice/volunteer.html
• Holland Home. "Volunteer." (Accessed 5/26/09). http://hollandhome.org/volunteer/
• Hospice Foundation of America (HFA). "Be a Hospice Volunteer." (Accessed 5/26/09). http://www.hospicefoundation.org/hospiceInfo/volunteer.asp
• Mitchell, Deborah. "Volunteer at a Nursing Home: Create Memories to Treasure." Charity Guide. (Accessed 5/26/09). http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/nursing-home-volunteers.htm
• Saad, Lydia. "Growing Old Doesn't Necessarily Mean Growing Infirm." Gallup Poll. (Accessed 5/26/09). http://www.gallup.com/poll/25606/Growing-Old-Doesnt-Necessarily-Mean-Growing-Infirm.aspx
• The Senior Source. (Accessed 5/27/09). http://www.theseniorsource.org/pages/friendlyvisitor.html
• Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). "Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities." May 8, 2009. (Accessed 5/26/09). http://www.dads.state.tx.us/silverlining/nursinghome.html
• VistaCare. "Volunteering." (Accessed 5/26/09). http://www.vistacare.com/giving/volunteering.asp

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at Elderwood

Elderwood values the volunteers who share their time and talents to brighten the lives of the residents in our skilled nursing and assisted living communities.

Volunteer at Elderwood

• Arts and music
• Cultural and educational
• Community outings
• Fitness classes such as zumba, yoga and more
• Happy hours and social groups
• Spiritual services
• Sports and games
• Virtual travel tours

Ways you can help

• Leading a game or craft
• Sharing your talents. Sewing, quilting, knitting, woodworking, gardening, cooking, baking, singing, book clubs, bible study -- residents enjoy it all!
• Assisting at social events
• Visiting one-on-one with a resident
• Writing letters
• Reading to a resident
• Bringing a well-behaved pet
• Musical entertainment
• Helping out in the gift shop
• Office work
• Accompanying residents on outings
• Helping with bazaars, bake sales and other fundraisers

How to get started

Due to state guidelines, volunteering may be suspended at this time. Fill out the form below to be considered for future opportunities. Please note, all volunteers must be in good health and attend a short orientation prior to beginning volunteer work. 

Please check the box above if you are not a robot

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Volunteer to make a difference in the lives of patients. Find opportunities near you.

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