Volunteering to Work in Sheltered Housing

It is quite rightly said that volunteering in your spare time can be very fulfilling and can make a massive impact in an individual's life; and this is particularly true in the case of volunteering your time in sheltered accommodation. It is usual for volunteers to be relied upon quite heavily to help ensure a high standard of living in a circumstance that could otherwise be very lonely for a socially isolated elderly person with no regular friends or immediate family to visit them. Read on to discover more about this rewarding way to spend some of your spare time.

What you will be doing?

One of the things you could be doing as a volunteer is befriending and providing companionship to a resident, this may include escorting them to social events like bingo or quiz nights or an important appointment. You also may be asked to perform a more practical function such as doing the all important tea round or helping out at meal time. Basically, anything that will help elderly people do more and make the most of their lives.

What will they expect of me?

You may need to apply for a CRB check in order to work with vulnerable adults and most organisations will want you to sign a volunteer's agreement as well which will outline their expectations of you. It is considered essential to keep your word and be flexible when volunteering and the ability to keep our commitments is an important trait, as you will be representing the values and spirit of the organisation in which you volunteer.

Why bother volunteering?

Volunteering some of your extra time in sheltered housing is a great way to gain relevant experience if you're considering a career in Health and Social care. It is also a good way to learn new skills like teamwork which are transferable to any career. It looks great on your CV, and you will learn plenty of new skills, all this aside, it is also a worthy cause that will make a real difference in people's lives.

Will I be supported in my work?

It varies depending on which organisation you work for but you will usually be supported by either another volunteer or a member of staff, or both. You will likely be find yourself included in both formal and informal meetings relating to the care and wellbeing of the residents in your chosen accommodation.