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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.

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!

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
How to Volunteer at a Hospital
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How to Volunteer to Help Disabled Veterans
What are the best reasons to volunteer?
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Which organizations help needy families?
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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How to Become a Nursing Home Volunteer (And Make a Big Impact)

a volunteer at a nursing home playing chess with a resident

If you have an interest in volunteering, but don’t know where to start, consider getting involved with your community nursing home .

A great way to expand your horizons, socialize, and make a real, tangible difference in other people’s lives is by offering much-needed support to your community’s elders. Whether you want to get involved with the staff, organize fun activities, or spend time with the residents, your contribution will make a difference to the health and happiness of your elder community as well as their caretakers.

On board to volunteer at a nursing home?

Let’s look into your volunteer options at assisted living facilities , memory care, and more.

Why do Nursing Homes Need Volunteers?

Nursing homes and assisted living residences spend much of their time providing round-the-clock nursing care to the residents in the building. The nurses, administrators, and paraprofessionals work closely to ensure every resident is taken care of and doing their daily tasks, but that often leaves little time for socializing and entertainment for the older adults living in the community. That’s where volunteers come in.

Nursing homes rely on volunteers to come and interact on a more social and friendly level with the residents. Mental stimulation and socializing are as integral a part of the care of these elderly individuals as their pain and medication management is.

Volunteers can help bring a sense of home into the facility by playing card games with residents, hosting dances or musical performances, or simply just sitting and having lunch with them to chat.

Some other ways volunteers can help are providing manicures to the residents , hosting bingo night, decorating the corridors and bedrooms for the changing seasons, helping residents tidy up their rooms, or just stopping by for a visit. It can be lonely in those nursing homes, especially when families can only visit so often. So the volunteers become an integral part of the team and the lives of the nursing home residents.

What are the Requirements to Volunteer with Seniors?

Requirements.

At the bare minimum, you need to meet the following requirements:

Love being around older people
Have a pleasant personality and presence
Know how to play card games like bridge, canasta, pinochle, rummy, cribbage, etc
For teenage volunteers, be at least 15 years old.
Be able to transport residents in wheelchairs safely
Have reliable transportation to and from the nursing home
Be able to schedule and manage small events
Have a professional but laid back demeanor
A background check to ensure the safety of the other residents

Extra Training

Some volunteers may choose to be involved more one-on-one with more advanced reside nts in end-of-life care. This allows them to make a huge impact on someone’s life a nd requires a bit more training to serve those individuals properly. Volunteers in these positions should undergo the following training:

An understanding and knowledge of how and where to get emergency assistance if needed
How to handle and discuss death and dying
Grief support training
Hospice basic training*
Counseling to ensure they are mentally prepared to handle patients in hospice

*The Hospice Foundation of America has dozens of free resources for volunteers and employees in nursing homes here .

The Benefits of Being a Nursing Home Volunteer.

There are so many benefits to being a nursing home volunteer, both personally and for the individuals you serve.

You’ll gain life lessons from your elders.
You’ll make a ton of new friends, both in the staff you meet and the residents.
You add job experience to your resume.
You gain personal fulfillment out of helping others
You’ll learn valuable skills in compassion, patience, and understanding
You will make the lives of those you serve more vibrant and enjoyable
You will learn how to respect others
You can more easily navigate the process of life and death and everything that comes with it.
You will leave a lasting imprint on the residents and families you’ve worked with
You can learn how to play bridge from the best players in the game.

How to Find Volunteer Opportunities.

Covid had definitely put a damper on when, where, and how people could volunteer and help in the nursing home setting.

But as things begin to come back to “normal,” nursing homes need help more than ever. Check your local paper or online job listings for volunteer opportunities. Or simply call up your local nursing home or assisted living facilities and ask if they need volunteers.

To get started with potential volunteer opportunities, give Sunflower Communities a call , and we can answer any questions you may have, and maybe we even have some positions available. We look forward to speaking with you!

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Your Go-To Guide for Volunteering with Seniors

Offering time, talents and good conversation.

You know that rich life experiences are indispensable. They’ve helped make up everything you are today. So just imagine how many valuable stories, lessons and experiences your elders can share with you. When you spend time volunteering with seniors, you’ll benefit just as much as they do—and you can learn a lot too!

We’ve compiled some ideas for different ways to lend a hand, a listening ear or your skills to seniors—from reminiscing to making new memories. Remember, simply giving your time and conversation can sometimes mean the most.

Visit an assisted living facility One of the most meaningful things you can do for someone in an assisted living facility is share some quality time together. Whether you’re going to see a neighbor, loved one or new friend, make the most of your visit by planning ahead. Call ahead to plan a time to drop by, or schedule regular visits that your friend can look forward to. Bring along a board game or cards, a care package, a video or a home-baked treat.

Even if your days fill up quickly, just a quick hello can brighten someone’s day. Find more ideas on our friendly visitor kit .

Reach out locally Chances are there are seniors right in your own neighborhood who could use your help.

Some seniors’ health prevents them from getting out and socializing. Keep them from feeling isolated by going for a visit, bringing over a meal to share or renting their favorite movie for you to watch together.
Offer to run errands for those seniors who can no longer drive. Make it a weekly ritual, and let them know they can call upon you when needed. You can also bring them along as you ride around town, so they can get out of the house and visit with you at the same time.
It doesn’t take a skilled handyman to do many around-the-house chores. Offer to rake leaves in fall, shovel the driveway in winter, and fix little things around the home.

Be a companion If you don’t have a parent or grandparent of your own that needs some extra caring for, there are plenty of seniors out there who could use some company! And there are many programs and organizations that can match you up with the perfect friend in your area.

With the Elder Helpers program, you can sign up to help in ways that fit your interests and skills, from reading to handiwork.
Senior Companions is a Senior Corps program for volunteers who are 55+. You can sign on to help older seniors with daily tasks, keeping them independent and in their own homes.
You can also volunteer to help aging seniors through organizations such as the National Council on Aging .

Continue lifelong learning Whether you’re at a nursing home or a neighbor’s or loved one’s home, ask yourself what you can learn from your older friend—many of their experiences may surprise you! While they’ve likely compiled stories over the years, it can often be challenging to know just what to ask in order to kick-start a conversation. Here are some ways to help get them reminiscing—and the good stories flowing.

Discover their passion : Does your friend love to cook? Ask them to share a favorite family recipe. Do they love to sing or draw? Get them to show you. Find what they’re passionate about, and chances are, they’ll welcome the chance to chat about it (and maybe even get creative!)
Discover their skills : If you don’t already know the kind of career your friend had, find out! Ask questions about their biggest lessons or favorite moments. Don’t forget to ask them about their skills and hobbies outside the job, too—sewing, woodworking, writing. Request that they teach you a thing or two.
Log the memories : Bring along a photo album, scrapbook or journal on your next visit, and encourage your friend to sit and compile their memories with you. Use narrative, photos, captions, doodles and more. You’ll be turning their oral stories into a documented history book in no time!
Make some artwork : Turn select pages of your memory book into wall art for their room. Simply photocopy the best pages with photos and captions, then hang them up so your friend can continuously recall good times. Plus, colorful pages and photos are sure to brighten up any room.

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ElderHelpers.org is a user-friendly, web-based service. We believe that compassion at its finest is free. Volunteers register to offer their services based on their true desire to help elders. ElderHelpers.org strives to safely and conveniently connect these dedicated, passionate volunteers with elderly in their local communities. We are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in the United States since 2008. For more information please read our FAQs .

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I would like to start helping the elderly in any way I can. I just want to do something meaningful and I think this is the way I can do that and make someone feel special. Everyone deserves to feel that way and I want to be a part of that. Elizabeth Thornton Getting Started

I was able to find a volunteer to help my mum, I am glad that this site exist and that lots of people are volunteering to help people like me. Diane Thanks for your help!

I just started this volunteering program and im very excited to help the elderly. My name is Darinique but if thats too hard just call me Paris. I've been anxious to get a call and get started but still no luck but god will bless me with somebody to help. I just know he will Darinique Bynoe Very excited to volunteer !

i cant wait to volunteer and help a elderly person in the gulfport area i love to help the elderly and i care about them. Fran. frances story ready to volunteer

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Every time I needed to find someone to help me with some light tasks around the house and the garden I wanted to cry because I felt alone and helpless. Finally I found this site and some wonderful volunteers to come over and help me with the garden. I spoil them with my apple pies! Marcy Garcia help with my garden

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Thanks elderhelpers.org for helping me find someone to help my mother. Frank Davis Helping my mother

My name is Robbin I am a person who loves giving back for god has blessed with the ability and the compassion to help out others it is the best feeling in the world to know that you can help out any way possible there are always others out there that need our help just glad I am able to help. Even if you just need a friend to talk to. I am here for you. I love running errands, cleaning house. I am in the pea ridge area, so if you live there give me a call, I can even mow your yard. Robbin Phillips TESTIMONAL

I used to mow lawns for seniors when I was growing up and loved visiting with them before and after and loved hearing their life stories and loved telling them mine lol at the time I was only about 12 or 13 but I did this for about four years and had a great time and felt wonderful inside. I cant wait to spend some of my free time with some seniors again who desperately may just want a visitor to talk with, That's me!I also would like to help with odds and ends if they need it as well. Dennis Belanger would love to get back to visiting

Hi there i just can't wait to be a part of elder helpers and i would be so happy if your organization give me a chance to work for these seniors and i can prove myself that i can really do something for them and put a great smile on their faces by not just being a volunteer but a good friend to them. Veena Varma Love To Be A Volunteer For Elder Helpers.

my name is Brittany an i am really looking far to helping the elder im a outgoing person i love reading listening to music ,cleaning and cooking i have a great background ,i have a lot of free time on my hands so this is the the best to keep my self busy by becoming a helper to others that need it ... Brittany Helping

I've been looking everywhere for something like this and I couldn't believe it when I actually found it. I dreamt of it, Elder Helpers did it! Jennifer Awesome program

I love helping the elderly because i want them to feel they are still needed and i love to see the smile on their faces when they are happy.Hoping to help out someone in need very soon. Thandi Helping out

I am happy to be part of this and its great to expess our true feeing and I just wanna thank you everyone for being a part of this program.. Alice hello

i just registered to volunteer and i am looking forward to help my community. i hope i start soon. i cant wait to put a smile on there faces. brandon gamble

i am a new arrival among you here. today i discovered the work you are in. i admired the spirit of the volunteers. i wish best of luck to all. have a nice day... mehmet oz admired your spirit

I was able to get in touch with someone through your site and we are planning on meeting this week. Thank you for your organization. John Thank you for your organization

I would like to start helping the elderly in any way I can. I just want to do something meaningful and I think this is the way I can do that and make someone feel special. Everyone deserves to feel that way and I want to be a part of that. Kareena Getting Started

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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

Learn how to volunteer at a local nursing home in a few steps, and get answers to your FAQs.

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