Look for opportunities to help senior citizens while also doing something else you love. For example, if you play the violin, inquire with local organizations or nursing homes about opportunities to come play at a residence for a special occasion (such as a major holiday) or on a regular basis.
Look for a phone number on the organization’s website. Call and let them know that you are interested in volunteering. Send an email to an individual in the organization and ask how you can help. You could say: “I’m interested in helping senior citizens and wanted to ask if you are looking for volunteers. " If they don’t know, they can most likely direct you.
Find out what activities senior citizens enjoy doing and plan something fun to do. You can say something like, “What activities do you enjoy doing during the summer?” to gauge what the senior citizen is interested in and then plan something accordingly. [2] X Research source
You can say something like, “Can I show you a few things on how to use that phone?” to open the conversation in a way that doesn’t sound condescending. Then, show them how to navigate the device and how to execute important functions, such as placing a call, texting, and using the contact list. If you have time and they are interested, show them how to download and play some games or use a fun app.
You can always say something like, “How about I give you a hand mopping the floors today?” Ask them which tasks need to be completed and set to work getting those things done! [5] X Research source
Remove debris, like fallen branches, from the yard. Cut down branches on trees that are taking up too much space or look like they need to come down. Pull weeds in the garden. Rake leaves in the autumn. Mow the lawn as necessary. Assist with snow and ice removal to prevent dangerous falls.
Be prepared to work hard and do a lot of pulling and bending. Try wearing knee pads to take the pressure off your knees when working on the ground. [7] X Research source
Talk about the groceries and supplies they will need for the next week or two and then put together a shopping list. Offer to drive them to the store or simply go on their behalf. If they go with you, take your time going up and down the aisles and make sure that they have everything that is on their list and more. Carry all of the grocery bags into their residence and put the groceries away.
Before you go out, sit down and talk about all of the places they need to go and what time their appointments are. Then figure out the most efficient way to complete the errands. Be sure to be prompt in picking them up if you first dropped them off somewhere.
Review the state of the senior citizen’s finances with him or her. Determine their income, what assets they possess, what bills need to be paid, and what debts are owed. Create a realistic budget and financial plan that the senior citizen understands and can stick to.
Talk to the senior citizen and find out what they want to do more of. If they want to do things like visit friends more often, then schedule some time to visit with friends. Incorporate their favorite activities in the schedule so that they can look forward to something every day. [12] X Research source
