For a nursing home like Fulford to function and flourish, it’s vital that we have a strong relationship with the wider community — both inside and outside the home.
For example, our staff regularly participate in events around the village, and we also support our local junior football team, highlighting the importance of keeping fit, creating healthy habits, and maintaining intergenerational connections.
But as some of our residents aren’t able to get out and about as much as they’d like, it’s also important for the community to come to us.
Here, we wanted to highlight the difference local volunteers can make to the lives of nursing home residents (and staff) and share how you can join in.
Studies show that nursing home volunteers can improve the quality of life of all involved.
A joint study by the University of Kent and the Royal Voluntary Service recently explored the link between well-designed volunteer roles and the benefits for care home residents, their families, and staff.
The report found that volunteers can add tremendous value to the lives of residents and staff. Half of care home staff surveyed highlighted that volunteers can help reduce pressure and free up colleagues to work on essential care tasks.
Almost all of the staff surveyed in the report stated that they enjoy working with volunteers, and 90% of those not working with volunteers said they’d like to see more volunteers in care.
For staff, volunteers can help with:
- Companionship for residents
- Mealtime support (encouraging residents to eat and drink)
- Leading (or participating in) social activities, such as games, reading, or arts and crafts
For residents and their families, the presence of volunteers can help improve mood and cognitive function and provide greater satisfaction with care.
All things considered, volunteers can make a positive impact on the lives of everyone living or working in a nursing home. So, here’s how you can get involved:
Five ways to volunteer in a nursing home
- Befriend residents: Simply talking with or reading to residents can be a great way to help them settle into life in a care home and make them feel seen and appreciated.
- Running activities: Hosting events like bingo, karaoke, and afternoon tea or playing cards, chess, or board games can boost morale and enhance cognitive skills among residents.
- Help with errands or outings: Taking residents to appointments, running errands, or accompanying them to the shops can help them feel connected to the local community.
- Help in the garden: Many nursing home residents enjoy spending time in the garden, but some can’t prune or plant seeds. By helping them maintain a space they enjoy, you can give back to the older generation.
- Help serve meals and refreshments: An extra pair of hands at mealtimes is often greatly appreciated by care home staff and also allows you to connect with residents and participate in their wellbeing.
Related: National Friendship Day and the importance of friendship in a care home setting
Would you like to spend some of your time with Fulford’s residents?
If so, our Wellbeing Coordinator wants to hear from you! We have several opportunities throughout the year for volunteers to join us and take part in events and activities with our residents. We’re especially keen to hear from potential volunteers during the winter months, as it can be more challenging for residents to get out and about.
If you’d like to volunteer at Fulford, contact us on 01904 654 269 to find out how you can help.