One of the most enriching service experiences one can find right in their hometown is volunteering with the elderly. As baby boomers age, assisted living facilities are getting more full and having to spread resources thin to care for this aging population. Senior living facilities are home to an incredibly interesting group of people who have valuable knowledge and a lifetime of experiences to share. Here are some tips to create the best experience when volunteering with seniors:
Listen
One of the things senior citizens often cope with later in life is losing companions as they age. Friends and family that once surrounded them with may be distant or have passed away, and having a friend to listen to them can improve their happiness by leaps and bounds. They are full of stories to tell and wisdom to pass on, and being available to listen can be a great gift to the both of you.
Stay Local
You don’t have to travel far to find a senior citizen in need. Whether you volunteer at an assisted living facility, or spend time with an elderly neighbor who lives alone, there are ways to help your community right outside your door. Sometimes, they may even share interesting stories about how your town once was if they’ve been in the area for several decades.
The Golden Rule
Treating those the way you’d want to be treated is incredibly important when dealing with the elderly. As our elders, it is important to treat them with the utmost respect. Their needs are on a spectrum, so whether they need help with technology, or even eating, treat them the way you’d want to be treated at that stage in your life without judgement.
Be Playful
Try to be a source of sunshine for whom you’re volunteering. Maintaining a positive attitude can greatly affect how their day goes. Play board games, card games, and find things in common that make you both happy. Take an interest in what their passions are and incorporate them into activities you do together.