Volunteering with Senior's Organizations

If your mom was always baking, cooking, sewing, and running errands for others, she might find herself a little lost as she ages. The elderly years offer much to enjoy, such as sleeping in and not answering to a boss. Yet, some seniors become isolated and face depression because they no longer find meaning and purpose to their days. One way to combat loneliness is to engage with others. An excellent option is through volunteering. Just because Dad is retired and spends time at home with the help of a home care worker doesn't mean he has to stay secluded. On the contrary! Now is a fantastic time to share his skills with the younger generation.

Volunteer Organizations to Join

Sometimes it isn't easy to find a place that fits your own or your senior's skills and talents. Canada has many organizations with chapters or clubs in which to join. Here are a few to give you a taste of what is out there:

• A Friendly Voice: Loneliness often tags along with aging. The elderly remain at home because their families are busy and their social circle shrinks. Sometimes, they want to hear a pleasant voice and chat. A Friendly Voice makes that happen. Your loved one can offer their services to others in their age bracket.
• AdvantAge Ontario: For those who feel a strong pull to advocate for others, AdvantAge Ontario may be a great fit. This organization supports not-for-profits through advocacy and education.
• Ontario Public Service "Quarter Century Club (QCC)" Retirees: If your dad or mom retired from public service, there are opportunities to connect and volunteer through QCC. Besides volunteer work, your parents can also take advantage of some program discounts.
• Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO): Your mom may have been a teacher. She knows what it means to help and serve others. The Retired Teachers of Ontario offer opportunities for paid and volunteer positions. For example, she can tutor kids or help at a food bank. Watch out, you might start seeing some chalk dust appear as she gets more involved! But you’ll also see her big, happy smile again.

Tips for Finding the Best Organization to Volunteer

Your loved ones will want to know they are not spending their time volunteering in vain. Here are a few suggestions to help them find the best place to volunteer:

• Consider existing interests and hobbies. Start with what they already know and enjoy.
• Look at previous experience. If Mom owned and ran a business, she would have the skills to help a young person.
• Think about un-retiring. Some seniors enjoy working. A part-time job helping others may be a fantastic option.

Enhance Quality of Life with Volunteering

Encourage your senior to invest their time and skills in the lives of others. That's what the professional home care workers at Home Instead Etobicoke / North York do. We strive to ensure the seniors in our care are well looked after, by offering personal care, cooking tasty meals, companionship, light housekeeping, among other services. We believe that you or your aged parent deserves to live life at home. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can aid your family.