When my daughter was in high school she volunteered at the nursing home/rehab across from her high school. Delivering mail, reading it to the residents, just hanging out and being a "friend" So many residents get no visitors, they loved her!
My father's Senior Center has good will, friendly visitors who visit the seniors getting Meals on Wheels, just for chats and to bring some cheer into their lives. They also have volunteers who deliver the MOW. My father looks forward to these brief but friendly deliveries.
I've been told that some hospitals have a friendly visitor program as well. The visitor sits with patients and just chats.
Do you have any special interests, such as art? Play a musical instrument? These can be hits at facilities. My mother and father always loved the musical performances.
You might contact various rehab centers or AL facilities and ask the Activities Directors if they can use some assistance.
Some hospitals have very good outreach programs; one rehab center offered 3 - 4 dozen free community classes on medical issues. Coordination is quite an issue for a volunteer program of that size. The newsletters and class lists were typically about 6 pages long.
Allisonj, you will need to call around to the various facilities in your area to see if they need volunteer help. Also check with your local Agency on Aging.
Usually local hospitals have a volunteer office where you can check to see what opening there are for volunteers. I've been a hospital volunteer for over 20 years now at the main entrance information desk. I love it !!!
Good luck, hope you find something really rewarding to do :)
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I've been told that some hospitals have a friendly visitor program as well. The visitor sits with patients and just chats.
Do you have any special interests, such as art? Play a musical instrument? These can be hits at facilities. My mother and father always loved the musical performances.
You might contact various rehab centers or AL facilities and ask the Activities Directors if they can use some assistance.
Some hospitals have very good outreach programs; one rehab center offered 3 - 4 dozen free community classes on medical issues. Coordination is quite an issue for a volunteer program of that size. The newsletters and class lists were typically about 6 pages long.
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Contact the volunteer coordinator.
Hospitals also have auxillary organizations who coordinate volunteers for the hospital.
Usually local hospitals have a volunteer office where you can check to see what opening there are for volunteers. I've been a hospital volunteer for over 20 years now at the main entrance information desk. I love it !!!
Good luck, hope you find something really rewarding to do :)