How to Volunteer at the Local Nursing Home

Last Updated: February 20, 2022 References Approved

Volunteering at a nursing home can be a wonderful experience. You will get to help your community and will get volunteer hours for scouts, NHS, or college. The residents of the nursing home will be so happy you are there. This article will tell you how to begin volunteering at your local nursing home.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

How to Volunteer

1
Get the permission of your parents or guardians. If you are a minor, you will need this permission to start volunteering.
2
Go online or get the phone book and find the number of the nursing home at which you would like to volunteer.^{[1]
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3
Get ready to call the nursing home. Locate a calendar so that you will know when you are free to volunteer, and have a pen and paper to write down important information.^{[2]
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4
Get the phone and call the nursing home. When someone answers, say "hello, my name is _____ and I would like to volunteer at (__name of nursing home__). Can you tell me who to talk to?".
- They will either give you a name and phone number, which you should write on your paper, then you should thank them and hang up. Or they will offer to connect you to the volunteer supervisor.You should thank them and wait to be connected.
5
Either call the person or wait to be connected to them. Then just say "hello, my name is _____ and I would like to volunteer at (__name of nursing home__)." They will be happy for your help and will guide you through what to do next.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

What to Do as a Volunteer

1
Follow instructions. As a volunteer, it's important to follow the rules and guidelines provided by the volunteer coordinator or staff member. Even if you think something could be done a better way, there might be an important reason for the current system. Avoid causing problems or throwing off the schedule by following the rules of your assignment.
2
Go above and beyond. Following the rules and guidelines doesn't mean you have to do the bare minimum. If you're assigned to wheel patients from one room to another, take the time to talk to them, hold their hands and learn their names. If a staff member ever asks for your help with anything, be willing to jump in -- even if it takes extra time or effort.^{[3]
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3
Choose activities that work for the age range. If you are given the freedom to plan the activities yourself, put yourself in the shoes of the residents and consider what they will enjoy. If you're going to play music or do karaoke, choose songs from their time era that they will actually recognize. Ask the residents or the staff members what past activities have worked really well, and incorporate some of those into your plan. Even if it's not always an activity that you personally enjoy, remember that this time isn't about you.^{[4]
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4
Be consistent. If you say you'll be there for an hour every Tuesday afternoon, be there for an hour every Tuesday afternoon. Not only is it stressful for the staff and other volunteers if you miss your assignment, it can also be disappointing to the residents. Life at a nursing home can be very monotonous, and they look forward to special visits and activities. Before committing to a volunteer schedule, make sure it's a reasonable commitment that you can definitely keep. If you ever need to adjust your schedule, let the volunteer coordinator know well in advance.^{[5]
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5
Be yourself. It can be intimidating when you start volunteering because you don't know any of the residents. Keep in mind that not every resident is the same -- they have different personalities and interests, just like you. Act like you're meeting people your own age and don't be afraid to be yourself. Tell them about your hobbies and interests and ask them about theirs. Chances are, you might have more in common than you initially think.^{[6]
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Community Q&A

Question

How old do I need to be to volunteer in a nursing home?

Community Answer

It honestly depends on the nursing home. Everyone has different rules, so they are all different. Usually all ages are allowed to volunteer at a nursing home, and if you are quite young, they would give you an assignment that is quite easy and not too hard to do. But the best way to know is to call them and just ask.
Question

Which nursing home can I volunteer in?

Community Answer

Typically, you can volunteer at any nursing home. You should call them first to schedule your times and see if you need to provide them with any information before volunteering.
Question

How do I volunteer in the name of Jesus in a hospital or nursing home?

Community Answer

Treat the patients and residents as Jesus would have treated them had He been here (John 13:35).