|
From a yellow Labrador retriever
who has spent more than half his life entertaining nursing home
patients with funny tricks and antics to a group of volunteer
barbers and beauticians who have spent more than 20 years providing
patients with free haircuts, shampoos and styles, examples of
volunteerism are evident in every THCA member facility. Why do
people volunteer at nursing homes? A need to help others is one
reason commonly given, but it is not the only one. Some volunteers
want to fill free time with meaningful activities and still others
volunteer just for the fun of it.
Whatever
your reason, if you are interested in volunteering contact a THCA
member facility in your community. Reach out and help nursing home
patients. Locate a Nursing Home in Your Area
today.
Opportunities
to volunteer at THCA member facilities are numerous and may include:
 |
Planning
monthly birthday parties for patients;
|
|
|
Entertaining
patients with music, dancing;
|
|
|
Visiting
with pets;
|
|
|
Gardening;
|
|
|
Decorating
for holidays and special occasions;
|
|
|
Reading
to patients;
|
|
|
Ministering
to patients;
|
|
|
Assisting
with National Nursing Home Week activities (held each year
beginning on Mother’s Day); and
|
|
|
Providing
birthday and Christmas gifts.
|
Groups
who often serve as nursing home volunteers include:
|
|
Patients’
family members and friends;
|
|
|
Churches
and religious organizations;
|
|
|
Secondary
and vocational schools;
|
|
|
Community
service organizations; and
|
|
|
Seniors
groups.
|
Click here to read about THCA’s 2006 Awards of
Excellence program individual and group volunteer winners.
|
