Finding Your Place at Your Loved One’s Memory Care Community: Volunteering & Nonprofit Partnerships
Volunteering at a Memory Care community is about much more than completing tasks. It’s an opportunity to share your time, talents, and interests with residents.
Memory Care communities welcome volunteers with a wide range of talents, hobbies, and interests to share. Many also welcome families, students, and local clubs to bring new experiences into the community.
Whether you have an afternoon to spare each week or simply want to share a hobby or special talent, there are many ways to get involved.
Volunteering Beyond Caregiving
After a loved one moves into Memory Care, families may still want to remain involved in their daily life. But they may not know where to start or what they can do.
A good place to start is to think about what you enjoy and what you might like to share with the community.
Caregiving can take a lot of time and energy. After a loved one moves into Memory Care, volunteering can offer a new way to stay involved without taking on the role of a caregiver.
You may enjoy joining an outing, sharing a hobby, or simply spending time with your loved one and other residents. If you aren’t sure how to help, your loved one’s community may already have a list of volunteer tasks you can take on.
The goal is not to do more. It is to find something meaningful that you can enjoy together.
Share Your Talents, Interests, and Hobbies
Every volunteer brings something unique to a Memory Care community. Your hobbies and skills may be a great fit for residents.
You could:
• Help with crafts or art projects
• Play an instrument or lead a sing-along
• Join residents on community outings
• Help in the garden or another outdoor space
• Read books, newspapers, or poetry
• Share a favorite hobby, skill, or talent
• Lead trivia, games, or puzzles
• Help with cooking or baking
• Help lead a group exercise
• Take part in holiday parties and special events
• Spend time talking and reminiscing with residents
You do not have to be an expert. Sometimes sitting together doing a meaningful task is enough to make a resident’s day.
Simply helping residents express themselves, connect with others, or take part in an activity can be a meaningful way to volunteer.
There Are Many Ways to Volunteer
Volunteering does not have to mean giving up an entire day.
If you have time each week, you might help with activities, social groups, or community outings. Some volunteers may choose to visit on the same day each week, so residents know when to expect them.
If you have less time, that is okay too. You could help serve food at a party, lead a one-time activity, or share a hobby during a special event.
Some of our favorite volunteer stories include…
• A monthly barber and shaving program
• A regular hair and nail salon
• Pottery painting hosted by a resident’s family
• Volunteers helping with planting, tending, and harvesting in our community gardens
• The local Lions Club hosting Friday karaoke and crafts twice a month
• Families sharing photos, videos, and treats from their travels
The best way to volunteer is to find something that feels comfortable and meaningful to you. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon to give, your time can make a real difference.
How Your Local Organizations Can Get Involved
Local organizations and nonprofits can also bring their programs and talents into Memory Care communities.
If you work with a local organization or nonprofit, you may already offer programs or activities that could be adapted for a Memory Care community.
Your organization may also have volunteers with unique talents to share. Teachers, performers, artists, and other community members may all have something meaningful to offer residents.
For example, you could:
• Bring musicians to perform
• Lead an art or craft activity
• Host a game, Bingo, or trivia event
• Bring volunteers to spend time with residents
• Offer educational, spiritual, or creative programs
• Bring friendly pets for a planned animal visit
• Help with a seasonal celebration or community event
• Provide supplies for an activity
You do not need to create a brand-new program. Look for activities that could be adapted for older adults. Preparing materials ahead of time or simplifying the steps of an activity can make it easier for residents to participate.
Even a small program can give residents something new to look forward to.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a local Memory Care community. They can help you understand what their residents enjoy and where additional support may be helpful.
Working together can create new opportunities for both your organization and the residents.
Finding Your Place in the Community
Volunteering is an opportunity to share the skills, hobbies, and interests you already have while bringing new experiences and connections into the community.
You do not need to take a whole day, spend a lot of money, or even do things you dislike.
Sometimes, all it takes is a willingness to show up, spend time together, and be part of the community.
At Inspirations, we believe there is a place for everyone who wants to get involved. Whether you are a family member, student, or part of a local organization or community group, we would love to help you find a meaningful way to share your time and talents.
Activity Spotlight: Volunteer Opportunity Mini-Quiz
If you’re not sure how you would like to volunteer, this quick quiz can help you think about the types of activities you might enjoy.
You have an afternoon free. What sounds the most fun to you?
A. Making something creative or working with your hands
B. Listening to or playing music
C. Getting outdoors for a walk or some gardening
D. Going somewhere new or taking a trip to a favorite place
E. Sitting down and chatting with friends or family
F. Playing some games or solving some puzzles
G. Spending time one-on-one or working quietly behind the scenes
H. Checking a task off your to-do list
Based on your answer(s), here are a few volunteer opportunities you might enjoy:
A. The Creative: You like to be creative and keep busy! You might enjoy helping with crafting or artistic activities, helping to decorate for parties and events, and working with residents on personal art projects.
B. The Entertainer: You find music in everything. You’d be great at hosting musical activities like yoga ball drum circles and helping pick music for dance parties.
C. The Outdoors Enthusiast: You enjoy spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature. You can help out by joining residents on walks, sharing your knowledge of birdwatching or gardening, and helping tidy up community garden spaces.
D. The Explorer: You enjoy getting out and trying new things. You might enjoy joining residents on outings, helping plan destination ideas, or sharing new experiences and stories with the community.
E. The Connector: Your specialty is bringing people together. You’d be great at starting conversations, helping residents connect with one another, or lending a hand during special events and group activities.
F. The Gamemaster: You love a great game and even better company. You might enjoy leading games, adapting the rules when needed, helping with puzzles, or simply enjoying a little friendly competition with residents.
G. The Soloist: You enjoy quieter activities and connecting with others one-on-one. You might enjoy spending individual time with residents, helping behind the scenes during events, or assisting with everyday tasks around the community.
H. The Productive: Your checklist is scared of you! You might enjoy helping organize events, assisting with detailed tasks around the community, or working with residents in small groups on purposeful activities.
