Growing up, my grandparents were the anchors of my world. Their stories, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped my values and perspectives on life. I was especially lucky that their house was right down the road from my high school, so I could easily walk there after school. I can still smell the peppers my grandma sautéed while my grandpa and I played rummy at the kitchen table.
When I moved away for college, I found myself yearning for a similar sense of connection—filled with stories, meaning, and wisdom. A mentor of mine (who knew how much I missed my grandparents) suggested that I join a volunteer program at the local retirement community. I knew that nothing could quite compare to the time I spent with my own grandparents, but I loved the idea of connecting with seniors who might be missing that sense of connection too.
The program paired me with Margaret, a retired Catholic nun who I visited weekly for companionship and story-sharing. We spent our time coloring, sitting in the chapel, and making flower-stem necklaces with dandelions from the community garden—something she loved doing as a little girl. Visiting Margaret quickly became the highlight of my week, and looking back, it transformed my life in ways I never anticipated.
If you’ve been feeling the pull to volunteer with seniors but aren’t quite sure where to begin, you’re in the right place! Here are some reasons to consider volunteering and a few ideas to help kickstart your journey.
The Joy of Connection
Becoming a retirement home volunteer can be one of the most enriching experiences imaginable. When you step into a senior’s life, you’re not just offering a helping hand; you’re providing companionship that can help them feel valued, heard, and seen. Your presence and genuine interest in their life will remind them that they are worth listening to, that their stories matter, and that they still have so much to give. But it doesn’t stop there!
Volunteering with seniors opens the door to a world of meaning that transforms you, too. As you provide that little extra help— whether it’s delivering groceries, running errands, or simply being there to listen— you’re sure to gain valuable insights and experiences that in turn, enrich your own life.
The Impact of Volunteering on Health and Well-Being
Did you know that volunteering in senior communities offers a wealth of emotional benefits for both volunteers and residents? It’s true! Here are a few examples:
Combating Loneliness: Many seniors experience isolation in retirement, especially those without family nearby. Just having someone to talk to can be a lifeline for them. While regular visits can break this cycle of loneliness, providing companionship whenever you can could significantly boost their quality of life.
Stress Relief: The act of giving is a powerful antidote to stress. According to this study from the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, helping others not only fosters a sense of purpose but also enhances social connections, which can significantly improve mental health.
Learning New Skills: Volunteering with seniors often involves teaching and learning new skills together. For example, introducing a resident to watercolors or digital photography allows them to express their creativity, which is essential for emotional well-being.
Increased Sense of Purpose: The relationships formed through volunteering are incredibly rewarding. Residents who engage with volunteers often feel more motivated and fulfilled as they share their knowledge and experiences, while volunteers gain a deeper sense of purpose from knowing they’re making a difference.
Improved Physical Health: Age is just a number when it comes to volunteering with seniors. While younger volunteers infuse energy and fresh perspectives, older volunteers can offer invaluable wisdom and life experiences. Research has also shown that volunteering in retirement can significantly improve seniors’ physical health. This study conducted at Carnegie Mellon University found that older adults who volunteer for at least 200 hours annually can reduce their risk of hypertension by 40 percent. Crazy right?
Ways to Volunteer at St. Paul’s Senior Services
If you’ve been typing ‘volunteer at a retirement home near me’ into your search bar, the universe might just be nudging you toward St. Paul’s Senior Services! Our three residential communities – The Manor on Bankers Hill, The Villa on Bankers Hill, and St. Paul’s Plaza in Chula Vista – welcome volunteers of all ages to contribute their time and talents to brightening the lives of our seniors. Keep in mind that opportunities may vary depending on whether you’re in an assisted living, memory care, or active retirement community. Our volunteer coordinator can help you determine which community would be the best fit for you.
If you’d like to volunteer at one of our communities but aren’t sure what you’d be interested in doing, here are some ideas to get your wheels turning:
1. Visit Residents: Build relationships with seniors who don’t get many visitors.
2. Organize Games: Call bingo or host game nights with board games, cards, or trivia.
3. Lead Arts and Crafts: Facilitate creative activities like painting, knitting, or scrapbooking.
4. Assist with Technology: Help residents learn to use smartphones, tablets, or computers.
5. Perform a Show: If you’re an actor or a musician, lead a sing-along or direct a play.
6. Host an Exercise Class: Facilitate classes like Zumba, yoga, Tai chi, or give a dance lesson.
7. Chaperone Outings: Accompany residents on field trips to local parks, shopping centers, and restaurants.
8. Help in the Garden: Assist in maintaining or creating a garden space for the community to enjoy.
9. Teach a Skill: Teach a skill like cooking, sewing, photography, or piano.
10. Offer Pet Therapy: Bring in therapy animals for resident interaction and comfort.
11. Assist with Meals: Help serve and prepare meals or get to know residents in the dining area.
12. Write Letters or Cards: Make holiday cards or become a pen pal with a resident.
13. Lead Workshops: Offer educational workshops on topics like health and wellness.
14. Provide Administrative Support: Utilize your business or accounting skills to assist residents with budgeting, taxes, or paperwork.
15. Start a New Program: Have a unique idea? Connect with the community’s activity team to bring it to life.
As you can see, there are so many ways to share your gifts in our communities. Not only would your time and talents enrich the lives of our residents, but you’d also find immense fulfillment in the connections you make along the way– we guarantee it!
Have an idea that’s not on this list? We’d love to hear from you!
If you’re feeling inspired to get more involved, I encourage you to explore the volunteer opportunities at a St. Paul’s Community near you. Fill out our volunteer application or visit our website to learn more about volunteer opportunities at St. Paul’s Senior Services. We review applications frequently and will email you if an opportunity arises that matches your availability and our needs.
About the Author: Nicole Antonacci
Nicole Antonacci is the Communications Specialist for St. Paul’s Senior Services. As a writer and photographer, she is passionate about amplifying senior voices and sharing their stories with the community. Through her writing, she aims to inspire seniors and their families to actively prioritize wellness.