The ability to participate in volunteer opportunities for seniors in the local community, making a difference in the lives of others, is one of the best ways seniors can feel wanted, needed and loved. Whether your senior loved ones still live at home independently or have a regular caregiver who helps them out (double the volunteer impact!), there are countless ways Bay Area seniors can volunteer in our community.
Volunteerism supports seniors’ overall health and wellbeing in multiple ways:
- It keeps them socially engaged
- They receive a renewed sense of inspiration, connection with their community and purpose
- Getting out and about almost always means more physical/mental activity, resulting in more exercise
- Additional stimulation can support some of the common issues faced by seniors, such as lack of appetite, interrupted sleep, loneliness, and depression
A bonus of activating your senior loved one’s volunteer commitment? It might be just the thing to get him/her to take advantage of a licensed, caregiver in the guise of driving assistance. Once that relationship is forged, it paves the way for adding additional, essential caregiving services your parents or aging loved ones are resisting otherwise.
We also recommend reading, Outing Ideas for Seniors and Their Caregivers for additional ideas to get seniors out and active in the community.
Volunteer Opportunities For Seniors In The Bay Area
Here are some of the volunteer opportunities and where to look for those opportunities available right here in the Bay Area.
Connect with the RSVP program
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in San Francisco was designed to streamline seniors’ ability to volunteer for programs that align with their interests, talents, and abilities.
Visit the RSVP Website and sign up. Then you can review relevant volunteer opportunities for seniors and determine which ones are the most appealing and that coordinate with your schedule.
Community Gardens
Does your loved one enjoy gardening? Backyard gardening is enjoyable and beneficial, but putting that passion to work in a community garden has exponential benefits, including growing nutritious produce for food banks, to increase the nutritional benefits (and enhance the flavor/interest) of their own meals, or to share with lesser-privileged members of our community.
In Alameda, community gardeners enjoy working in the Alameda Bay/Eagle Community Garden. Use your search engine and type, “community gardens in “your area,” to find nearby examples, like The Edible Garden Program in Berkeley.
Community Education Partnership
Stability and a sold home life are considered integral to academic success. Unfortunately, the Bay Area has far too many children who find themselves homeless, moving around frequently, and unable to thrive in school.
The Community Education Partnership (CEP) partners volunteer adults with motivated students in multiple formats – all designed to foster healthy relationships and sustainable learning for students who are homeless.
You can also contact local schools in your area, many of which offer reading and tutoring programs ideal for retired adults with the desire to help our youth improve literacy and critical thinking.
Share love with animals at a local animal shelter or SPCA
There’s no doubt fostering a relationship between seniors and animals is beneficial for both parties. While pet ownership is a reality for some, many seniors find themselves unable to own a pet due to rental or housing restrictions or unwilling to take on the responsibility- regardless of their desire.
Volunteering at the SPCA or a local animal shelter could be the answer, providing homeless and starved-for-attention pets the opportunity to be loved until they find their right “forever home.”
Be a kind voice on the other end of The Friendship Line
The Friendship Line was created to help lonely seniors or others find companionship without leaving their homes. If your senior loved one is homebound or more reticent to leave the house, volunteering for The Friendship Line is a great way to do good from home.
Don’t forget to check in with your local senior center
Sometimes, individuals, groups or organizations seeking volunteers advertise at Senior Centers. Check in with your local senior center and ask if they’re familiar with volunteer opportunities suited to seniors.
We Can Help
Would you like to learn more about the ways licensed home care aides can support senior independence and wellbeing? Contact us here at HomeAide Home Care and schedule a consultation.
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