Did you know that volunteering isn’t just good for the community, it can also be good for your aging relative’s health?
According to research, seniors who volunteer enjoy less disability and often live longer than those who don’t. Volunteering can also help older adults remain more physically active. If your older family member isn’t currently volunteering, there are many things they can do to help others in their community, and now is the time to get started because April is National Volunteer Month.

Below are some ideas for ways seniors can volunteer.

-Make Items for Hospitals and Charities

If the older adult likes making things, they could find out what local charities are in need of and make those things. For example, hospitals often need hats for newborns, so if the senior knits or crochets, they can make hats. Animal rescues may need pet toys and blankets made from fleece, which can be made without any sewing skills needed. One great thing about volunteering in this manner is that caregivers and seniors can enjoy making the items together.

-Walk Dogs and Pet Cats

Seniors who have a love of animals might enjoy volunteering at an animal shelter. If their health permits, they can walk dogs. Less mobile seniors can help with caring for cats or other small animals. Sometimes shelters just need someone to pet the cats so that they receive the attention and love they need to maintain their bond with humans. Caregivers may need to drive the older adult to the shelter to volunteer, then return to pick them up later.

-Work at a Food Pantry

Food pantries need people to help stock shelves, assist clients with shopping, and check people in. Depending on their abilities, your older family member could help with these things. Working at a food pantry is an excellent option for seniors who don’t see other people often because it gives them a chance to interact with others in a way that can make them feel useful.

-Read with Children

Many schools are in need of people to help children who are lagging behind in their reading skills. Older adults can volunteer as reading assistants who sit with the child while he or she reads aloud. The older adult helps them to sound out words and provide a supportive audience. Caregivers may need to help the senior fill out paperwork, such as consent for a background check or a volunteer application.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Dale City, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855

Sources

https://www.nationalservice.gov/

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andy@hcprosonline.com

CEO at HomeCare Professionals

Andy Howardis a Bay Area Native who holds a BA in Political Science (University of Colorado at Boulder, ’97). After college Andy worked in the surging tech industry.His Grandmother however, would suffer a significant decline in health and ultimately needed in-home care. The experience of a loved one depending on outside help to age in place proved to be pivotal for Andy as he left the tech industry in 2002 for an opportunity in the home care world with a large provider. After having success in home care, but being frustrated by corporate constraints Andy founded HomeCare Professionals in 2005.He methodically built the company one client at a time by focusing on hiring quality caregivers to ensure positive outcomes. Currently Andy serves as the CEO of HomeCare Professionals and is also highly active in the non-profit organization California Association of Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) which advocates for a higher standard of in-home care for those who wish to remain living at home in California.

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