Volunteering at a nursing home is an often overlooked volunteer area and yet one of the most needed. Statistics show that only 50 percent of nursing home residents have no close relatives and 46 percent have no living children. However, the self gratification and relationships you will receive is too unusual to be replaced.
Make a list of nursing homes you are able to volunteer at on a regular basis. When doing this, use any resources from family members, friends, or even use an online search engine to find nursing homes. When choosing your home, also keep in mind your schedule; make sure that you can be fully committed to any obligations that the nursing home may give you.
Before calling, choose your times wisely, anytime between 9am-11am and 2pm-5pm would be a good option. By avoiding meal times or later at night, you'll have a better chance for getting information and finding people who are free to talk with you.
Ask for an application form. This step is also where your applicant process begins. They will hand you all necessary applicant information. Most nursing homes will conduct interviews, do background checks, and may even have you receive vaccines and take drug tests.
Become a "volunteer in training" at the nursing home. Because of the wide variety of possible areas, you may experience variations in your training length and the content may vary.
A. Expect to attend training if your application is approved.
B. Call or visit the top three of your chosen nursing home options.
C. Volunteering at a nursing home can be a really wonderful experience.
D. From your list, choose the top three that cater to what you are looking for.
E. You will be taken into training depending on the area you are assigned to train in.
F. The process of becoming a volunteer at a nursing home can often be a little too long.
G. The activity director or volunteer coordinator will handle all of your information from here.