Volunteering at Nursing Homes

Volunteering at nursing homes can be a  massively rewarding experience for both volunteer and residents of the nursing home; although not financially beneficial, knowing that you are a positive influence is someone`s well-being can bring satisfaction. More and more nursing homes look to the help of volunteers to help alongside staff and provide support to residents

Volunteering

Volunteering at nursing homes is important to residents who enjoy the company and interaction of different people each day.

There are residents in some homes that receive no visitors this makes the friendship and help of a volunteer especially important. There are residents who are confined to beds or chairs who cannot leave the home on excursions, the chance to be able to sit and talk or be read to by volunteers can impact upon their health and self- esteem. Volunteers have also be found to be a calming influence on residents suffering from dementia who make react angrily or confused to people around them, just someone to sit with them or take walks around the garden is often all they desire.

The help of volunteers in nursing homes also takes a weight of pressure off staff, which are often needed in other areas of the home, although volunteers are not able to provide medical help, communication with residents is often all that is required. Volunteers are also helpful when it comes to activity times in the home, playing games such as bridge or chess with residents or helping the activities coordinator with musical exercises and arts and crafts. Many are also asked to participate in day trips in to the local community, to help residents with shopping or provide youthful enthusiasm on trips to the seaside.

Most homes will allow volunteers to bring in gifts such as flowers and sweets for residents, which can really brighten up the day of someone in the home.

How to volunteer

Volunteering at nursing homes as-well as being a rewarding experience can look good on the CV of someone who is applying to work in care. If you are a student studying nursing or training in social and health care, then volunteering once or twice a week can give you experience and enhance your chances of future employment. Many people who are out of work are taking up volunteer posts to enhance CV`s, employers will look favourably on someone who is willing to dedicate their time to helping those less fortunate.

Finding a nursing home at which to volunteer shouldn`t be too hard as there are many homes in the UK, and most welcome the help of new volunteers. Find out what homes are in your area and pay the manager a visit or phone call to enquiry about volunteer opportunities. The chances are that you will get a placement close to where you live.

Some people volunteering at nursing homes will be required to visit the home and undergo an induction before starting, managers will show volunteers how the home is ran.