I recently made a few visits an animal shelter, and was happy to see that they have volunteers who regularly come in to be sure that each animal gets 20 minutes of one-on-one time. They spend this time petting, talking to the pet, and holding them. This time is logged, before moving on to the next animal.
I wonder why they don't have equal time, enough volunteers, in the nursing homes and assisted living facilities to spend one-on-one time with the lonely, confused, and sometimes frightened elderly and sick. They need comfort and love, too. Simple things, like reading to them, taking them for a walk, and holding their hands go a long way.
At this point in my life, I don't feel that I can organize volunteers, because I am assisting my 30 something year old daughter, who has many health issues, and watching my 3 year old grandson, while my husband or son-in-law take her to her many doctor appointments.
I am praying about whether or not I can fit in a new ministry in my church, that is designed to be with dying people, who have no one to be with them in the end other than trained medical people. It would be a way I can practice what I preach, but still have time for my family.
Mother cannot walk nor talk coherently, and rarely responds, except for an occasional smile or the common squeezing of her hand, yet we still go and talk to her, read to her, and show her pictures and cards, as well as help feed her.
Getting back to my original point: entertainment is wonderful, from those individuals and groups who donate their time and talents. It is greatly appreciated and necessary for the well-being of our loved ones. Organized activities are also important, including pet therapy.
However, you don't have to be a trained professional to sit with someone who is lonely and feels helpless or afraid. We do to it for our animals, which at least have a hope of someday leaving their cages. We do it even when it is sad and painful to see them in their current situation, but many of us don't do it for the ones who have given us their heritage, service, and lives. Not all animals appreciate the soft, warm hand, but they still get their 15-20 minutes.
I often get hugs from residents hungry for affection, and carry on conversations that sound like they are from Alice in Wonderland. I try to spend time with, at least, one or 2 others, while visiting my own mother, but some of these people have no one to visit or hold their hands. The aides are wonderful, and do what they can, but often they have only enough time to tend to their needs.
I guess what I'm trying to say, is that in a perfect world, our sick elders would get the one-on-one time we rightly give our vulnerable animals, equal time.
Mom's AL/NH has volunteer visitors (although I've only ever seen one woman) and while it is lovely that she donates her time she is invariably visiting with the more active seniors who least need that kind of interaction. We've had little kids and their sitters come in this summer to join the NH music and singalong hour but they don't know the songs and don't interact with the residents, I'm not sure what either side gets out of it. It's easy to take your pet over to the woman practically jumping out of her chair with excitement, not so obvious to have poochie quietly interact with the motionless person who rarely opens their eyes. And in my observation other than something like an appreciation BBQ to many volunteers never get any feedback from the facility on whether their programs are successful or appreciated or what they could do to improve them if they are not.
We really need to get our Boy and Girl Scouts of hischool age. 4H or Youth Church organizations. Teach them what Dementia is and how to deal with it. The elderly love young people. It would teach our children empathy.
There are many organizations coordinating volunteers to visit the elderly, although the number depend on where you/one lives. People who want to volunteer at both animal shelters or nursing homes (hopefully) need to go through 'the application' or paperwork process. However, if one wants to volunteer with elders, it is relatively easy to do. If you want to help out, you could talk to whoever would be in charge of volunteers/screening and create-post a flyer, email your friends and networks, announce-post at churches, community centers, etc., to encourage volunteers. There are also inter-generational programs where high school students volunteer. If there are no programs in place for young people to visit elders, contact high schools and colleges - they all likely have volunteer programs. Some may even offer internship programs in colleges. Gena
This is a great and humane idea. I believe here in the Los Angeles areas proponents of ethical care are working on this opportunity as the aging population continues to grow and working, 2 income families are increasing.
Far fewer animal shelters than nursing homes.
Animals give unconditional love, even the abused, it can be incredible to watch them develop trust.
Volunteering in a care facility forces people to face their own mortality.
Animals are not going to criticize friendly visitors.
Animals are not going to make racist or misogynistic comments.
People are busier than ever and there is a limit to how much volunteering any one person can do. Perhaps the answer is in getting more people volunteering in general. I know so many who have not volunteered any time to their community. And I know some who are at every event, that needs a volunteer.
There are many organizations that facilitate friendly visitors and some people do it on their own. Some corporations give their staff time off to volunteer at community events, perhaps they also give time for other volunteering efforts?
My eldest son was a volunteer dog walker at the local SPCA and my daughter was a youth volunteer (Candy Striper) at both our local hospital and a nursing home. Me, I spent over 50 hours volunteering last month.
If you have a family member or friend in a nursing home, I encourage you to visit them. Also, some community groups, church groups, volunteer some time, or may provide some services. Check with your church or check through your public health department if they have information about volunteer opportunities.
If this truly concerns you and you are a member of a church or other group, why not organize something yourself? A weekly craft, a sing-a-long if someone you know plays an instrument. Who was the famous person who said, “Be the change”?