VOLUNTEERING FOR SENIOR ADULTS

VOLUNTEERING FOR SENIOR ADULTS

written by JoAnn Edwards

My state, Tennessee, was nicknamed "The Volunteer State" during the war of 1812 because of the many men who volunteered in that conflict. The spirit of giving of yourself in service to others still holds true in this region today. Many volunteer groups are active in all areas of the state. There's no reason any senior adult should have to live in boredom or loneliness.

Having been involved in several senior groups in my area has given me a chance to see the many different opportunities for volunteering. Whatever you can do there's a place for you to lend a hand. Decide what you love to do and get started. Volunteering is most definitely a labor of love. You might even want to say a prayer and ask God's guidance for this season of your life.

Music is one area that is enjoyed by the recipients whether it be volunteering with children or in a nursing home. Once a month, I visit a nursing home and play piano for several other seniors who sing mostly old familiar tunes. You don't have to be perfect just show up. You will be rewarded when you see the faces of the residents light up as they are able to follow along with words they can remember. Sometimes there are tears when they reminisce over a favorite hymn or tune they recognize. Nursing homes are always in need of volunteers to help at feeding time, read to residents, give manicures and any other service that you may have to offer.

Volunteering does not necessarily have to be done as a part of a group. My husband is a woodworker and thoroughly enjoys hanging out for hours in his shop. He builds bird feeders, blue bird boxes, a variety of small wooden toys and other items. He donates all of his work to various causes. Some to be used as door prizes at our senior meetings. He doesn't care for doing the finish work so one of the ladies in our group likes to do the painting and decorating. The seniors look forward to having their name called as a door prize winner.

My Mother, who is eighty-six, lives alone and doesn't drive. Her spare time is spent crocheting and making quilts. She gets much satisfaction from giving her quilts away to families who have suffered a fire or similar disaster. People who have received her quilts have called to thank her and say that is the first quilt they ever owned. She would not think of selling them because she says the joy comes from giving them away. She volunteers, from her home, teaching friends and neighbors who have asked her to show them how to crochet and sew. As I stated earlier, no senior should ever be lonely or bored.

Your church is a good place to inquire about volunteering your time. I am involved with several ladies from my church who make tiny garments that are given to the hospital to be used as burial garments for preemies who don't survive. Since sewing is my passion, this is most definitely a labor of love for me. We are connected to a larger organization called "Threads of Love." I had no idea there was a need for this service until I beame a part of this group. We supply our local Children's Hospital with over 100 outfits a year.

One of my very dearest friends is a seventy-seven year old lady who volunteers in the hospital at the emergency room information desk. She has been doing this for ten years and loves every minute of it. One day a week, she helps people with sign-in forms, calms cold and scared patients with warm blankets and serves snacks to the children. If you need to be admitted to the hospital, she is the one who gladly gives you a complimentary ride in the wheelchair to the proper location. When it's time for you to be discharged, she will once again be there to offer her services with a smile.

Volunteering is just another kind of job. You're getting paid in hugs, smiles and thank yous instead of money. What do you love to do? Find out what is available in your area and go for it. Give of yourself and have fun doing it. It's true that "It is more blessed to give than to receive."