Bringing volunteers back into our homes
Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic, volunteers were warmly welcomed as regular visitors in our homes and we are delighted to see many returning.
Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are students, others retired. Some are looking for work, others work elsewhere (some companies will even give time off to their employees to volunteer). Many young people like to volunteer to gain life experience or to qualify for recognition such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Others may volunteer for companionship, to keep busy or for work experience.
- Time to give – At our homes we can accommodate volunteers for as much or as little time as you want. Even an hour a week can make all the difference. Regular volunteering is especially welcome to fit with ours and your own routine. It gives residents something to look forward to.
- Enthusiasm – This makes a huge impact to residents’ wellbeing.
- A friendly and approachable nature – Providing companionship to people living in care homes, especially those who don’t have many regular visits from friends or family.
- Providing a vital link with the outside world – our residents love to stay in touch with what is happening outside the home in the communities in which they lived.
If you or someone you know would like to spend some time volunteering alongside our teams, please get in contact with the home manager at your nearest home.
All of our volunteers undergo background checks and appropriate training.
There’s a wide variety of things which volunteers can do in our homes, depending on their background, interests and experience, volunteers.
- Help with leisure and social activities and events – an extra pair of hands to assist our activity teams – anything from calling bingo numbers, giving interesting talks, reading to residents, doing jigsaws accompanying residents on outings etc.
- Befriending – Just spending a little time talking with residents. This is especially useful for residents who may not get many visitors.
- Hairdressing and beauty therapy – Qualified hairdressers are always welcome, as are people with time to paint nails.
- Gardening – Helping residents maintain their garden plot if they have one, or helping out in the home’s grounds.
- Driving – Ferrying residents to appointments, collecting prescriptions, shopping, running errands.
- Clerical and administration – Helping residents with correspondence, filling in forms etc.
- Catering – Helping with mealtimes, serving refreshments.
- Housekeeping – an extra pair of hands for the housekeeping team and time to chat to residents while doing the rounds. Bedmaking, room tidying, helping in the laundry.
- Helping with languages – Helping residents for whom English is not their first language.
Volunteering comes with a whole host of benefits to the volunteer as well as to those who are being given the gift of time and help.
The benefits to the volunteer can include:
- Sense of purpose
An individual may be able to find a new sense of purpose through volunteering and becoming part of something. If a volunteer is retired, unexpectedly unemployed or has lost a loved one, helping others can give a new sense of purpose. - Sense of community
Volunteering can help people to feel connected to those they are helping in the community. - Meeting new friends
Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends. - Developing social skills
Volunteering gives a chance to talk to new people and sharpen social skills. Young volunteers benefit from gaining social skills that help develop future personal and business relationships and boost self esteem.. - Learning practical skills
The training and hands-on experience gained while volunteering can help with learning new skills as well as building upon ones you already have. - Having fun and increasing happiness
It feels good to contribute to projects and organisations that mean something to an individual or to a community. These good feelings can help lessen the effects of stress or anxiety. Some volunteer opportunities involve some physical tasks which can help to keep the volunteer active.
How to Volunteer at Healthcare Homes
If you or someone you know would like to spend some time volunteering alongside our teams, please get in contact with the home manager at your nearest home.
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