Elder Care Volunteers
Fostering meaningful resident-volunteer relationships in elder care homes
Interested in volunteering?
We would love to hear from you!
The focus of Elder Care Volunteers is on companionship: spending time with residents to form meaningful relationships. Volunteers offer a listening ear, company while doing activities and a warm, friendly face each time they visit. We look for volunteers who have initiative, are willing to make a commitment, and (most importantly) have kind hearts.
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We believe Elder Care Volunteers are a gift.
So we don't require you to have any volunteer experience or knowledge about healthcare.
If you are willing to take some time (however short or long) to build a relationship with a resident or two, please contact us! We will send you a sign-up form and arrange to meet with you or give you a call so you can ask us any questions you may have.
What is the purpose of volunteers?
Elder Care Volunteers spend time with residents in their designated care home(s) in the hope of reducing loneliness and improving social wellbeing of residents.
I am only available on weekends. Can I still volunteer?
Yes! We greatly appreciate weekday and weekend volunteers.
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.
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers spend time with residents: chatting, going for walks, reading, playing games, doing arts and crafts. The activities depend on your interests and the interests of the residents.
How frequently should I volunteer?
Most volunteers choose to 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.
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.
Where can I volunteer?
We are currently partnered with two care homes in Epsom: Aria Park Village and Cromwell House. We are also partnered with Hugh Green Care Home in Albany and Forrest Hill Home & Hospital in Takapuna.
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.
Do volunteers need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19?
Covid-19 vaccination is no longer mandated by the NZ Government. However, volunteers are required to wear masks during their care home visits.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES
"It has been a pleasure volunteering here. Feels like a different zone in here with a great positive energy."
VOLUNTEER
“Everyone enjoyed my performances this whole afternoon! I told a tale about Chinese Zodiac Calendar, played some Chinese folk songs with violin, taught the residents to sing a simple Chinese song "Happy New Year" [A resident even made his own lyrics with this melody to thank me for teaching! I was so moved!], performed a Chinese dance, solved "Lantern Riddles" with residents, and helped serve dumplings and spring rolls with sauces. It was a really very rewarding afternoon for me! I do love seeing residents smile because of me! I love this voluntary work! Thank you Julia for giving this opportunity to me to volunteer there!”
VOLUNTEER
"When I first started volunteering, the resident who I visit would always be withdrawn and usually be asleep upon my arrival, or fall asleep during my visit. Since visiting her over the years, it has been wonderful to see, not only her mood but also her energy improve. Now, she smiles and waves at me when I arrive, and I often see her waving to staff with a huge grin on her face. A typical visit for me involves sitting with her and chatting, and sometimes she likes to hold my hand. It is lovely to have developed a relationship with this resident and to know that I have made a positive impact in her life."
RACHAEL, VOLUNTEER