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Thankful For Volunteers
By
Joan E. Thompson |
Plymouth
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My first “ah
hah” moment at the difference volunteers make occurred 35
years ago in a local nursing home. I was the new Activities
Director meeting scores of patients and their families for
the first time. The frustrations of family members were
palpable. They were unable to care for their loved
ones at home and felt guilt and remorse. I remember
thinking, “Isn’t there anyone who can reassure them they
have done all they can – and now the care that’s needed must
come from experienced professionals?”
Care at home. That’s what we all want when we don’t feel
well – care at home. In the past 35 years much has changed
in the home care field. Families are no longer faced with
providing fulltime care, alone, at home for loved ones.
Supplemental services are available through a variety of
providers, both private-pay and shared-cost agencies.
But even with shared care, managing all the home care
“pieces” can become overwhelming if the family’s primary
caregiver is physically or emotionally vulnerable. That’s
when “the nursing home” may become a life saver, for the
whole family. Today’s nursing homes enjoy professional
Activities Directors and Volunteer Coordinators. They bring
in growing numbers of volunteers who expand the variety and
appeal of activities provided for residents.
Early in my own nursing home career I was fortunate to meet
a local social studies teacher who joyfully brought her
class of high school seniors in to share Current Event
discussion groups with our resident “seniors.” Those
teenagers brought an amazing synergy. Young and old
discovered their common interests and concerns – everything
“through the years” from the Red Sox to World War II and
Vietnam. This was one experience that few of the resident
seniors would have enjoyed were they still living at home.
And it became a new social circle for both generations.
But the senior students weren’t the only volunteers bringing
their caring presence into the nursing home. Volunteers came
every week to share games, visits, tales of travels and
musical performances. The volunteers were integral
parts of each activity that brought the outside world in and
personally expanded the world each resident experienced.
When you’re enjoying all for which you are grateful this
Thanksgiving, know that the act of sharing is the deepest
form of Thankfulness. May you enjoy both the giving
and receiving on this Thanksgiving Day. |
About The Author
Joan
Thompson is the Executive Director for Mayflower RSVP, Inc.,
a nonprofit organization mobilizing Volunteer Service
Activities in Plymouth County. She has directed RSVP’s
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program for nearly 30 years. She
may be contacted by calling (508) 746-7787 or via email at
MayflowerRSVP@Verizon.net.
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