Make a new friend. Growing old sometimes gets lonely, but you can bring joy to someone who has a lot to offer. Share stories, enjoy conversation, and trade a joke. Volunteering has never been so enjoyable.
Drive a little, help a lot. Take a senior to a doctor's appointment, to fill a prescription, or on another necessary errand. These short trips take a minimum amount of time, yet can help the immobile in more ways than you can imagine.
Put your home repair skills to work. Seniors unable to do simple household fixes need your abilities-from those of a skilled professional trained in plumbing or electric work to someone who knows how to use a screwdriver or paintbrush.
Help a senior with tasks as simple as dusting, mopping, and changing sheets. These jobs may seem small to you, but they can make a huge difference in a senior's quality of life.
Serve as a support for all seniors in a long-term care facility. Visit on a regular basis, and become their eyes, ears, and voice.
Give a caregiver a much-needed break. Some seniors cannot be left alone, yet their constant companion needs some time off. You can schedule regular visits to sit with a senior and talk: volunteering has never been this relaxing.
Work with others to help a senior. Your civic group, school organization, or group of friends can perform tasks suited for more than one person. Rake leaves, paint a house, or perform simple home repairs.
Pick up a little more at the grocery store. Some seniors are homebound and cannot get out buy necessities. Get their list, take it along while you do your weekly shopping, and then drop off your purchases.
Provide a healthy meal. Many seniors in our community can no longer prepare a nutritious hot meal. You can deliver lunch and dinner once or multiple times per week-you don't even have to do the cooking!
Give the gift of caring. Serve as a surrogate decision maker and advocate for a senior in a nursing home. Visit, check on their care, and represent their well-being with informed decisions. Volunteer your time to make sure a senior is safe and well cared for.