Maybe you have thought about volunteering at a nursing home, then wondered if you have the time, or if you would get too attached to the residents. This complete and realistic guide answers those worries plainly. It covers the benefits and drawbacks, typical duties, training, and age questions, how to stay safe, how to get past common hurdles, ways to make volunteering enjoyable and lasting (including time with young people), and other ways to give back if you cannot go in person.
- Volunteering just 2 to 3 hours per week is often enough for most nursing homes.
- Expect an orientation where staff explain what volunteers may and may not do. Do not lift or transfer residents unless the home has trained you.
- Nursing homes understand volunteers bonding with residents and provide counseling resources to help cope with decline or loss.
- Most importantly, you don’t need special skills other than patience, empathy, and a willingness to help. Training will be provided.
The rewarding feeling of brightening a resident’s day makes the challenges worthwhile for most volunteers.
Volunteering at a nursing home may be right for you if you have a kind heart and want to spend time meaningfully.
This guide covers everything you need to start, so read on to learn how to contribute and make a difference.
If you cannot volunteer in person, I also cover other ways to give back, how to stay safe while you volunteer, and how to get past the common hurdles before you start. You will also find ideas for making volunteering enjoyable and lasting, including time with young people.
Should You Become a Volunteer in General?
Here are some questions and considerations to keep in mind before becoming a volunteer:
- Am I emotionally and physically stable enough to give support to others?
- Am I willing to share my time without financial compensation?
- Do I have the patience to work with senior citizens facing difficulties?
- Is volunteering something I really want to do?
- Do I have a natural passion to help others?
Just because you are not getting paid does not mean you will not have a great responsibility. And you have to take this responsibility seriously. People will start depending on you, which is not something you take lightly or shrug off easily.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering at a nursing home has many physical and mental benefits. Here are some of the most common:
A Very Rewarding Feeling
Not everybody gets it. But the gratification of helping others can be one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. You are out there, making a difference. And all it takes is one person to inspire millions of others.
Thus, without question, you are bound to feel great about yourself, and the world around you. Volunteering acts as a natural high and boosts your mood, as well as your outlook on life.
You Get Out of the House
If you want to be happy and stay happy emotionally, do not be afraid to interact with the world. Spending time with others outside your comfort zone can do wonders for your overall health.
More importantly, volunteering at a nursing home can get you excited about life in general. Then you will want to leave the house more and experience new situations. It is good to challenge yourself every now and again.
It Is Good for Your Health
Given all the things you can help senior citizens with, it is only natural that you benefit as well. For example, when you read to them or play an instrument, you keep practicing vital senses skills.
When you help them stay mobile or exercise, you add to your own physical health. You can even develop new skills if you like taking on new challenges. Basically, it is a win-win situation for you and the seniors you will be helping.
The Potential Drawbacks of Volunteering
Even though volunteering is a very rewarding experience, you must also be realistic. In other words, it will not always be easy or even joyful.
No Paycheck for your Labor
A good example of a potential drawback can be the lack of financial help. Seeing as you are not getting paid to volunteer, it could strain your situation financially.
Dealing with Death
Then there is the matter of befriending individuals and letting go not long after. You are going to build emotional bonds, and you are going to feel sad when these friendships come to a natural end. Are you ready to face the emotional challenges of volunteering at a nursing home?
Emotional Ups and Downs
Finally, nobody can stay positive all the time. And your ability to stay positive might be tested as you volunteer at a nursing home. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But you have to be prepared for some sadness along the way.
What Are the Typical Duties of a Nursing Home Volunteer?
There is no straight answer to this question. Everything depends on which nursing home you volunteer at, the skills you have to share, and how much time you can put in.
And if you thought volunteer work at nursing homes is limited, think again. To give you some idea of how you can help, here are some of the basic tasks performed by volunteers.
- Host special events like Bingo or card games
- Aid senior citizens with daily activities, such as eating and getting around
- Retrieving blankets for cold nursing home residents
- Help in the kitchen
- Putting away laundry
- Reading
- Dancing lessons
- Art classes
If you have a special skill, there is a good chance you can make use of it at a nursing home. And even if you don’t have a special skill, basic assistance and conversation can go a long way.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Volunteer at a Nursing Home?
For the most part, no special requirements are necessary if you want to volunteer. You just have to be able and willing to fulfill a helpful role.
Although, it is recommended that you create a “volunteer resume”. Much like a typical resume, you note the skills you have and the time you can spend as a volunteer. More info about starting as a volunteer is provided later.
As for right now, you do not really have to worry about any specific requirements. Of course, this can also depend on the nursing home where you want to volunteer.
It will be a rare occurrence, but the nursing home may have some rules in place when accepting volunteers. You’ll likely have to have a background check. And this is most likely based on keeping their residents safe.
Getting Over Common Hurdles Before You Start
Plenty of people want to volunteer and then talk themselves out of it. A few worries come up again and again, and each one has a workable answer.
Getting there is a common one. You can carpool with a friend, or ask whether the organization offers a shuttle service.
Physical limits are another. Many organizations tailor activities to different abilities. If standing for long periods is hard, you could take a seated role, such as managing calls or helping with paperwork.
Feeling out of place is normal when you are new. Everyone started somewhere, and your life experience is valued and gives you a perspective others do not have.
Time can feel like the biggest obstacle. Look for an activity that fits your schedule, since some roles are flexible and let you give your time when it suits you.
The trade-off is that a flexible or seated role may not be the exact job you had in mind at first. It can take a call or two to find the right fit.
Do I Need Special Training to Volunteer?
In general, no. Unless you are volunteering to reconstruct the nursing home altogether, of course. Then you will obviously need special credentials and experience. But if all you want to do is make the lives of seniors more comfortable, there is no need for any special training.
This could change if you decide to move to bigger responsibilities. And if this requires special training, it will usually be provided by the nursing home. At the end of the day, it only takes a positive attitude and compassion to be one of the best volunteers in any nursing home.
How Old Do You Have to Be? How Old is too Old?
Strictly speaking, there is only a minimum age requirement if you want to volunteer. For obvious reasons, children can only volunteer if they are accompanied by adults. But it rarely happens that a volunteer is sent away because they are too old.
If you are physically able and willing to help others, there is a very good chance you can be a volunteer.
So, to answer the question, there is no specific age range to be a volunteer. Even kids can do it if they have a guardian with them. But the best way to get clarity is to contact the nursing homes in your area.
Inquire if they have any limitations in terms of age and if they have any other requirements.
Staying Safe While You Volunteer
Good intentions deserve a little protection. A few habits keep your volunteering positive and secure.
Know your limits. Do not overextend yourself physically or emotionally, and choose tasks that fit your energy and abilities. Meaningful activity can help your mental and physical health, and keeping your mind active and engaged is part of the reward, as long as you pace yourself.
Watch for scams and fraudulent groups posing as charities. Research any organization thoroughly before you commit your time or money.
Protect your privacy as well. Be careful about sharing personal information, and if you give online, use secure websites and payment methods.
Keep your family or friends informed. Tell them where you will be and when you expect to be back, especially when you volunteer in person.
Listen to your instincts. If something does not feel right or makes you uncomfortable, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation. A group you trust can also offer community and support along the way.
The trade-off is a bit of extra planning, since you will need to check out the organization and let someone know your schedule before each visit.
How to Become a Volunteer at a Nursing Home
Now for the part you have been waiting for: becoming a volunteer. We are about to go over some steps to help you start volunteering at a nursing home. And yes, it is much simpler than you anticipate.
1. Think About What You Have to Offer
First, start by listing your skills. Are you a great communicator? Do you have a natural talent to get people talking? Do not lift or transfer residents unless the home has trained you. Ask staff what volunteers may and may not do.
While listing your skills does not necessarily mean you’ll be using them, it helps the nursing home to find the best spot for you.
2. Get a Resume Ready
Volunteers usually become part of the big family, especially when they come around often. Having a resume ready will not just make it easier for the admin at the nursing home to place you as a volunteer, but they can easily contact you if necessary.
Remember, this is not a job interview. There is no need to be nervous or tense. In fact, you should feel very relaxed about the situation.
3. List Nursing Homes in Your Vicinity
Now that you know how to volunteer, it is time to find nursing homes in your area. Sticking with nursing homes closer to home is recommended, mainly because traveling can get expensive and tiring.
The last thing you want is to get frustrated by the commute. And if you can volunteer at a nursing home within walking distance, even better.
4. Make Some Calls
Whether to call the nursing home or show up for face-to-face interaction is your choice. The latter makes a stronger impact and shows you are serious about being a volunteer.
But nobody will think less of you if you prefer to call the nursing home instead. This is especially true if there are several options.
Making Volunteering Enjoyable and Lasting, Including Time With Young People
Starting is one thing. Still showing up months from now is another, and a few habits help the work stay a pleasure instead of a chore.
Choose something you love. If the cause or activity connects to a hobby, such as gardening, storytelling or crafting, it feels less like work. Volunteering also gives you a chance to polish old skills or learn new ones.
Start small. You do not have to take on a big project right away. A few hours a week is enough to see how it fits your schedule.
Set realistic expectations. Find out what is expected of you before you begin, so you do not feel overwhelmed.
Bring a friend. Volunteering is often more fun with someone you know, so consider inviting one along.
Take time to notice the good you are doing. Recognizing your impact gives you a sense of fulfillment and keeps you going.
Take breaks. Look after your own needs and avoid burnout. It is fine to step back when you need to.
Ask for feedback. Constructive feedback can help you improve and make the experience more rewarding.
When it starts to feel like a chore, remind yourself why you started. Remembering the impact of your work can bring your motivation back.
Consider working with younger generations too. Reading to children or mentoring young adults leads to meaningful conversations and learning for both of you.
This kind of volunteering is also part of the Spring Forward Into Health challenge, a 31-day wellness challenge. It is never too late to start, and the rewards are as rich as the time you put in.
The trade-off is that a role built around your hobbies or young people may not be what a nursing home needs most. You may have to try a few things before you find the right fit.
Other Ways to Give Back Besides Volunteering in Person
Volunteering at a nursing home is one way to give, but it is not the only one. If the schedule, the emotional weight or the travel does not suit you, there are other ways to do good. Giving generally comes in four forms: time, money, skills and knowledge.
Time is what you have been reading about here. Other examples are helping at a food bank or shelter, assisting with community events or fundraisers, and serving on a nonprofit board or committee.
Money can mean one-time or recurring donations, taking part in fundraising campaigns, or leaving a charitable bequest in your will.
Skills are about helping others grow. You might mentor or tutor young people, teach a workshop or class in your area of expertise, or offer pro bono professional services to nonprofits.
Knowledge is your life experience. You can share your story through speaking or writing, take part in oral history projects or mentorship programs, or offer advice to people facing challenges you have faced.
Virtual volunteering is another option. Online mentoring, tutoring or administrative support for nonprofits can work well if you have mobility limitations or transportation problems. It also helps to ask yourself whether you are comfortable using technology, and whether you prefer working alone or with a group.
To get started, research local organizations that match your interests and ask about their volunteer needs. Try a one-time event or a small donation first, and ask friends, family or former colleagues if they know of a group that could use your skills. Joining a club built around a cause you care about can also give you some company along the way.
Before you commit, be careful about scams. Check out any organization thoroughly before giving your time or money, because some pose as charities. Be mindful about sharing personal details, especially online, and use secure websites and payment methods to protect your card information.
Let family or friends know where you will be and when you expect to return if you volunteer in person. Know your limits, and if something feels wrong, trust your gut and leave. The trade-off is that giving money or skills from home means less of the face-to-face time that many people love about nursing home visits.
Summary and Final Recommendations
Is it just a coincidence that busy people often seem happy and healthy? Or is there something more to it? Staying active is a good thing for most people, whatever their situation.
This is why volunteering at a nursing home can be such a great way to keep busy. It is generally low risk. At the same time, you may notice your mood lift, your mind stay engaged, and your body stay active.
Remember that volunteering will have certain challenges. And these can range from emotional to financial, depending on your situation. So be prepared to hit a few bumps along the way. Luckily, the reward of making a difference in somebody else’s life usually makes the effort worth it.
You do not need any special skills, training, or special connections. All you need is the desire to help those around you. If that sounds like you, any nursing home will be lucky to have you as a volunteer. Just ask staff what volunteers may and may not do, and do not lift or transfer residents unless the home has trained you.
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