It can be as simple as a smile and a game of checkers, or even thumbing through old photographs. Sometimes, all it takes is a pleasant conversation to show how deeply you care about someone…

…and for our elderly patients, this type of interaction is priceless as they face the next step in their challenging journey. 

The impact of volunteering with the elderly extends far beyond mere activities. It has a dramatic impact on the mental health and overall wellness of the patient. 

“At 3HC, we are so thankful for our volunteers. They have a kind and unique way of lifting spirits, offering hospice patient companionship, and making patients feel loved and valued,” said Nathalie Bentley, volunteer coordinator. “Volunteers are an important part of our team, and we encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering to contact us to begin the application process.”

We’ll take a closer look at some of the volunteer opportunities available at 3HC, and how volunteering with the elderly doesn’t only impact them—it also benefits yourself as well.

Can Volunteering With The Elderly Help With Loneliness? 

Yes! Volunteering has a powerful way to bring comfort, support and joy during this challenging time in an elderly patient’s life. 

We know volunteers can ease the pain of loneliness and provide companionship at a time when it is needed most. Many hospice patients may not be able to spend a lot of time outside their homes, and therefore the social interaction provided by volunteers eases isolation. This is especially important for those who may not have family nearby. 

How Can Volunteering with the Elderly Make a Difference in Their Lives?

We have witnessed these differences firsthand, and often, it is the most simple things that have the most profound effect. This could be reading together, playing games, or even remembering special events from the past. In addition, we’ve seen how an encouraging presence reduces feelings of stress and anxiety that can accompany end-of-life care. 

But we believe that you won’t only make a difference in their lives, but they will also make a difference in yours. 

Volunteer Opportunities Through 3HC: What Our Volunteers Do

Hospice patient companionship is a major facet of our volunteer program, but our volunteers do so much more. Some of the volunteer opportunities through 3HC include:

Assisting with Daily Activities

Volunteers can help with light housekeeping, help organize personal items, or even just sit outside with the patient, enjoying fresh air together.

Supporting Hospice Staff and Caregivers

We understand that no one can accomplish everything alone, and even something as simple as running errands or delivering supplies can help us tremendously in our goal of providing the highest quality of care for our patients…and it helps us fulfill our mission to always treat them like family.

Giving Caregivers Short Breaks

Sometimes just spending time with patients allows caregivers to have a much-needed break. 

Sharing Your Special Talents and Skills

Do you play piano for your church choir? Have you been told you have a beautiful voice? Or maybe you have a gift for telling a good story.  Chances are you have some special ability that would mean a lot to share with our elderly hospice patients. 

Benefits of Helping the Elderly: Volunteering Is Good for Your Health

You may be surprised at the impact of volunteering with the elderly doesn’t just uplift their lives, it can have a transformative effect on yours as well. 

One research study followed older volunteers over four years, closely evaluating those who volunteered at least 100 hours a year compared to those who didn’t volunteer at all. The results? 

Those who volunteered were less likely to have physical problems. They also experienced less depression and loneliness. 

Another review in the medical journal Voluntas indicated that those who volunteered experienced:

• Longer life
• Better physical functioning
• Better quality of life
• Increased social support
• Increased pride
• Increased motivation
• Empowerment
• A stronger sense of community

Other benefits of volunteering include:

Improved Mental Well-Being

We touched on this a bit earlier, but your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Volunteering helps your body release dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is released when we experience good things.

Volunteering also eases stress—potentially reducing your risk for diseases such as heart disease, stroke and anxiety. In addition, those who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who don’t.

A Sense of Purpose

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” This perfectly illustrates the principle of the importance of helping others. It not only transforms the world but gives us a sense that we are a part of something larger than ourselves.

We’ve heard so many volunteers mention that although they were doing the serving, they learned so much and received such a blessing from those whom they helped. 

Nurturing Relationships

We treat our patients like family because in so many ways, they are. We want our patients to feel welcomed and loved by our 3HC family. As a volunteer, you would be a vital part of this purpose and mission. 

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply Now to Join Our Wonderful Volunteers

Volunteers are extremely helpful not only to our patients, but to their families and our employees. In fact, we find their selfless dedication inspiring—particularly when we see the smile they bring to our patients’ faces. 

Are you interested in volunteering? To get started, all you have to do is apply. We look forward to meeting you and making a difference together. 

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.

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Sources:

Kim ES, Whillans AV, Lee MT, Chen Y, VanderWeele TJ. Volunteering and Subsequent Health and Well-Being in Older Adults: An Outcome-Wide Longitudinal Approach. Am J Prev Med. 2020 Aug;59(2):176-186. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7375895/ 

Mayo Clinic, “3 Health Benefits of Volunteering,” https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering 

Neumann J, Hofmann B, Dhein S, Gergs U. Role of Dopamine in the Heart in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 6;24(5):5042.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10003060/ 

Nichol B, Wilson R, Rodrigues A, Haighton C. Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers: An Umbrella Review. Voluntas. 2023 May 4:1-32. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10159229/