Volunteering in senior living communities offers significant benefits, including enhancing the emotional well-being of residents and reducing caregiver burnout, which ultimately improves the quality of life for both residents and staff. Additionally, serving as a volunteer provides older adults with a sense of purpose, community engagement, and improved mental and physical health.
Some senior living communities have been offering the support and resources required for residents to engage as active volunteers. Recently, two long-term care administrators-in-training embraced this sentiment and implemented innovative volunteer approaches within their organizations, successfully using independent living residents as volunteers in their communities.
Summary of initiatives and results
The goals of the first program were to increase volunteer numbers by 22%, enhance the time volunteers spend with residents by 33%, and boost the overall well-being of the volunteers by 15%.
To achieve those results, the organization streamlined the volunteer application process and actively promoted the program through internal communication channels such as community newsletters and in-house TV channels. The Quality of Life-8 survey (QOL 8) survey was used to assess independent living volunteers’ quality of life, satisfaction with health, energy levels, ability to perform daily living activities, and self-satisfaction before and after volunteering. Within three months of the program’s implementation, volunteer numbers increased by 22%, interaction hours increased by 41% and volunteers reported significant improvements in their quality of life. Specifically, volunteering led to significant improvements in quality of life, health satisfaction and self-satisfaction among independent living participants, with 100% reporting positive rankings in those areas after becoming volunteers. Notably, there was a marked increase in the number of volunteers rating their quality of life and self-satisfaction as “very satisfied” post-volunteering, with no negative rankings observed in any category.
The second initiative focused on integrating independent living residents as volunteers to aid those transitioning to assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities. This program’s success is evident in several metrics.
Independent living volunteers reported an 83% increase in their satisfaction with their ability to perform activities of daily living. This improvement is attributed to the social and physical activities they share with residents, such as walks, meals and games. Additionally, 100% of participants expressed satisfaction with their personal relationships and living conditions, highlighting the program’s positive effects on social well-being. Moreover, the benefits of this program also extend beyond the residents receiving care. The volunteers themselves experienced enhanced physical and mental health, reduced feelings of loneliness and a greater sense of purpose.
Recommendations for other organizations
A unique and impactful aspect of those initiatives is the use of independent living residents as volunteers. Engaging independent living residents can foster a deeper sense of community and purpose, benefiting both the volunteers and those they assist. Those residents often bring a wealth of experience and empathy, enhancing the quality of interactions with assisted living and nursing home residents.
To replicate the success of these innovative volunteer programs, other providers can consider the following recommendations:
- Provide comprehensive training and orientation. Ensure that volunteers receive thorough training to understand the needs and challenges of residents at different care levels. This training can include workshops, shadowing experienced volunteers and ongoing support.
- Establish a dedicated volunteer committee. Form a committee responsible for coordinating volunteer activities, addressing concerns and continuously improving the program. This committee also can serve as a liaison between volunteers and the administration.
- Streamline the volunteer application process. Simplify the application process to encourage more residents to volunteer. This simplification can involve reducing paperwork, offering online applications and providing clear guidelines and expectations.
- Promote the program actively. Use internal communication channels such as community newsletters, in-house TV channels, and social media to raise awareness about the volunteer opportunities and their benefits.
- Foster a sense of community. Encourage social interactions among volunteers and residents through organized activities, events and regular meetings. Doing so helps build strong relationships and a supportive community.
- Highlight the benefits to volunteers. Emphasize the personal benefits of volunteering, such as improved mental and physical health, a sense of purpose and enhanced social engagement. Share testimonials and success stories to motivate potential volunteers.
- Provide recognition and appreciation. Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of volunteers through awards, appreciation events and public recognition. Doing so helps maintain motivation and commitment.
By implementing those recommendations, other long-term care communities can create effective volunteer programs that enhance the well-being of both residents and volunteers.
Conclusion
Those programs demonstrate the innovative potential of leveraging independent living residents as volunteers in senior living communities and nursing homes. By fostering meaningful relationships and enhancing engagement, such initiatives benefit both the residents in need of care and the volunteers themselves.
The successful outcomes of those programs serve as valuable models for other providers aiming to improve the quality of life for all their residents through peer-supported volunteerism.
Frances M. Hawes, PhD, MS, is an assistant professor in the healthcare administration program at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, a program that educates future senior living and care leaders. She has more than 15 years of experience working in the long-term care field.
Lydia O’Hara is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she earned her degree in healthcare administration with magna cum laude honors. She has more than seven years of experience working in the long-term care field.
Michael Schumacher recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in healthcare administration. He now serves as the assistant executive director at a senior living community.
The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.
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