For many elders in assisted living, boredom or a lack of physical interaction can be an issue. However, seniors have a lifetime of knowledge and experience to reinvest in their communities, and volunteering is a great way to give back and strengthen neighborhoods, non-profit groups, and other community-based organizations. When senior volunteers give their time and effort, they are rewarded with a better quality of life, a better sense of community, and the satisfaction that comes from helping others succeed. Many assisted living facilities might offer group volunteering opportunities, but if not, there are many more options.

Senior Corps works to connect seniors with the individuals and groups that need them most, turning them into mentors and coaches while finding ways to put their skills to work throughout their communities. Senior Corps places more than 500,000 Americans in local community service projects. Senior volunteers are given training and guidance and placed in programs that make the best use of their skills and interests.

Here are some of the ways seniors can get involved with Senior Corps:

• The Foster Grandparent Program: In this program, seniors work with children and youth that have extraordinary needs. Volunteers in this program are charged with mentoring, supporting, and assisting some of the nation’s most vulnerable children.
• The Senior Companion Program: This program unites senior volunteers with other adults in their community who are challenged by ordinary, day-to-day tasks. Senior companions help with tasks like shopping, light chores, interacting with physicians or agencies, or just stopping by for a visit. 
• RSVP: This program helps place volunteers with local community service opportunities that match their strengths and availability. They may help in housing construction projects, work in clinics, or consult with non-profits and community agencies. RSVP focuses on making the most of the volunteer’s unique skill set and areas of expertise.

Volunteering is a great way for seniors to stay active and use their talents. As a result of their time and dedication, they do so much for their communities, and they set an example that encourages others to participate. Humans are social beings, and it’s no surprise that volunteering is beneficial to everyone involved. In fact, volunteering is a way for people to fulfill one of their most basic needs – to care for others and be cared about in return. If you or a relative have made the transition to senior living and are feeling a bit disconnected or lonely, consider volunteering and realize the benefits.

Tags: loneliness, senior volunteers, seniors loneliness, volunteer

This entry was posted on Monday, June 7th, 2010 at 9:18 am and is filed under Assisted Living Activities, Assisted Living Concerns, Life in Assisted Living, Resident Care. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.