BellaOnline Forums Family Senior Living Volunteering at a Senior Center

Does anybody volunteer to help out at a Senior Center? What are some ways we can help this vital part of our community?

Lisa, I don't volunteer at one but my 82 year old mom benefits from one. They can always use people that have a skill such as computers as this generation are so into staying in touch with family - especially the grandkids, and want to be able to do so.

For the seniors who are not mobile or are bedridden, having someone to maybe push their wheelchairs to a table of bingo would be helpful. Being social keeps them alert and happy. Nothing like being able to play games like bingo with other seniors.

Great post and I am sure you wil get some awesome responses from people who do volunteer.

Volunteering with seniors is on my list of things to do one day. Between work and exercise, there isn't much energy left. My Mom and Dad are at their senior community center nearly every day either playing bingo, helping out, or just chatting.

Dad doesn't actually do much helping. He has a hard time with his health, his vision and his hearing but being around other people seems to keep him going. I am so appreciative of the volunteers and feel that I need to pay it back soon.

Hi Alice, volunteering is not an option for alot of people right now. But when things slow down, I am sure you will find some way to help out. I would love to do this, but between finances and not having a car, it is not happening at the moment. But who knows what next year will bring my way

Glad to see your folks are benefitting from their interaction. Isolation and lonliness do age and kill seniors. But some do thrive on being alone and that is when we as society have to allow them to age with grace. I am so glad there are options. I do like people, but not too much - so when I age, I will be picking a few activities to get out of my home - but will be rushing back for some ALONE time

I'm with you on that "alone" time Angela. I'd much rather putter about the house or in the garden. Not that I have a garden right now. It's also on my list of things to do one day.

LOL, Alice - join the crowd of that "list"

I am scared of snakes, but throughout the years have always had some type of garden. The yellow flowers do something for me when I come home - make me smile.

Thanks for sharing and soon we will BOTH have another garden.....

I volunteer as a writer's group facilitator at a local senior center (See my Bio). We can learn a lot from Seniors!

Hi Anne:

LOL, you keep referring to see your "bio" (saw on other threads) - okay I will make some time to pass by and see this "bio" of yours, but meanwhile - I am glad you did put some info in your post for LAZY posters like myself to read.

Thanks for sharing and I am so GLAD you are volunteering.

And YES, seniors have alot to teach us. Hey, one day we will be just like them

Anne - what does a writer's group facilitator do exactly? My Dad dreams of having me ghostwrite the story of his life but trying to get the memories out of his head and onto paper is like pulling teeth. Is that similar to what you do? Do you have any tricks of the trade?

Hey Lisa - I used to volunteer when I was younger, but not so much time now :( But thought I'd put a site on here if others want to find a place to volunteer at -BellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!