National Volunteer Month – Volunteering for Seniors (and with Them)

April is National Volunteer Month, a time when we come together to promote volunteerism and honor the contributions of those who give their time and energy in service of others. No matter what your cause may be, providing assistance can be a rewarding experience in more ways than one. Today, the team at Summerset Senior Living would like to discuss volunteerism as it relates to the senior community and give you some ideas about how you can pitch in – whether you are a senior or you want to work with seniors to improve their quality of life.

Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors

No matter your age, there are so many ways you can give back to your community. There are organizations in your area that need help with their important work, and you can roll up your sleeves and offer assistance. Millions of seniors volunteer every year; would you like to be one of them?

You can start by thinking about the best way you can utilize your talents. Do you have any special skills that could be helpful for an organization in your area? Volunteer organizations need tutors, mentors, drivers, and even general laborers. Consider the skills you have built over your life, and the types of jobs you are physically able to do, then research local organizations that can use those skills.

According to AmeriCorps, the most common forms of volunteer service are:

• Collecting, serving, preparing, and distributing food
• Fundraising
• General labor including cleanup, building homes, and more
• Tutoring and mentorship
• Collecting, making, and distributing clothing

If you were a teacher, home builder, food service worker, or driver, you can put those skills to use helping others. And if you have a different set of skills, don’t worry; there are thousands of volunteer organizations and facilities around the country that need your help with a variety of jobs.

Volunteering to Help Seniors

We already know seniors have so much to offer the people around them, but younger people can find ways to help out as well. There are millions of seniors who can benefit from your knowledge, experience, skills, or even your companionship. One of the most valuable things you can do with your time is visit a senior living community in your area and spend some time with the people there. Many seniors have lost friends and family, and they need to feel a connection with another person more than anything else. We encourage you to get in touch with your local senior living community and inquire about volunteer opportunities or the best time to drop by.

You can also help out in your own neighborhood. Many seniors have health issues that prevent them from leaving the house, so having a friend stop by for a social call can mean the world to them. You can also offer to help with errands, meal preparation, or other household chores. We think you will find that volunteering your time to help a senior in need will benefit you every bit as much as it does them.

Senior Living Communities in California

Summerset Senior Living has communities in Rancho Cordova and Lincoln, California, and our residents always appreciate seeing new faces. If you are interested in volunteering with us, call our office today to find out more about how you can help. Call (916) 619-0494 or fill out the online form on our contact page to inquire about volunteer opportunities or to schedule a tour of our communities.