Elder Care Volunteers

What will I be doing when I volunteer?

In your role as an Elder Care Volunteer, your main objective is to spend time with residents in your designated care home in the hope of reducing loneliness and improving social wellbeing of residents.

 

Your role may involve tasks such as:

• Chatting with residents, sharing stories and offering a listening ear

• Participating in games and activities with residents, and/or possibly assisting staff to set-up activities. These activities might include reading to residents, playing music, baking, painting nails, accompanying residents on walks or bus trips, and supporting residents with exercise.

• Assisting residents with small tasks (putting clothes away, watering their pot plants etc.)

• Sitting with residents as they watch television or eat their meals

 

Where can I volunteer?

We are currently recruiting volunteers for two care homes in Epsom.

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I am only available in weekends. Can I still volunteer?

Yes! We greatly appreciate weekday and weekend volunteers.

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How frequently should I volunteer? How long will my volunteer shift be?

Most volunteers spend one hour per week at the care home, but we are flexible and do our best to work in with your schedule. You may prefer to volunteer fortnightly, monthly, or on a flexible basis. We are grateful for any time that you have to offer.

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What skills and qualities do you look for in a volunteer?

Most of all, we look for kind-hearted volunteers who are willing to give some of their time to help others.

Other skills that can be useful (but are by no means required!) include musical ability, fluency in different languages (including sign language), and confidence to facilitate activities for residents.

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I am a high school student. Am I too young to volunteer?

We have no minimum age requirement of our volunteers, though a certain level of maturity is important. Please contact us and we are happy to discuss this further with you.

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I am new to New Zealand and am still learning English. Do you have minimum English language requirements?

We have no minimum English language requirements, though a baseline level of communication is important for talking with residents. Many of our volunteers are new to New Zealand and have found talking with residents very helpful for improving their English language skills.

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Can I volunteer with my friend?

Sure! We are happy for you and your friend to sign up to volunteer.

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How do I start volunteering?

Please get in touch with us by using the ‘Contact Us’ page (click here) or email info@eldercarevolunteers.org.nz

We look forward to hearing from you!