Nursing homes provide great volunteer opportunities for you to work with the elderly. For this Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day, check out a nursing home near you and lend a helping hand.
What to Expect
The average age of senior citizens living in nursing homes is about 82. Many of them don't have families or can't be with their families, so they get lonely. That's where you step in - visit and spend time with the elderly on a regular basis and treat them as though they're your own grandparents. This sort of volunteer work will not only have a positive influence on you, but also on them - you can bring the youth back into the elderly by telling them stories and making them laugh, while seniors can teach you about life and its valuable lessons.
Fun Activities
Nursing homes offer daily activities like arts and crafts and fitness programs. Other ways to spend time with senior citizens is to read to them, play cards and board games or teach them how to use a computer. And if you watched an episode of The Simple Life 3, you can take Paris and Nicole's lead for livening up a nursing home - they gave makeovers to the seniors and put on a fashion show!
Working With Seniors - How to Get Involved
It's easy to find a nursing home because they're bound to be all over your city. You can volunteer on your own or with a group, but it's fun if you get your school involved. Try asking your teacher to plan field trips to a nursing home - your class can put on a play or sing songs to entertain the residents. There are also programs to adopt a grandfriend, which is great for kids who don't have grandparents.
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