Older Adults Volunteer in LTCFs and Communities

Part of their celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM), the Administration for Community Living (ACL) spoke with a number of older adults who help out at local nursing facilities and older adult volunteering agencies.

The month of May is a time for US citizens to reflect on and appreciate the past and present influence of older Americans in society. The ACL has announced that the 2017 theme for OAM is “Age Out Loud”: emphasizing that older adults today still have much to say.

In light of this year’s theme, the ACL spoke with some older Americans who continue to volunteer and make a difference in their communities, with many choosing to volunteer at local senior centers and nursing homes to give back to institutionalized older adults.

One volunteer, Joyce from Texas, has served as a nursing home ombudsman for 4 years. She began volunteering after retiring from 35 years in the corporate management and business ownership field. She said that her favorite part of this role is “giving a voice to men and women whose voices have been diminished by age, sickness, or disability. I advocate for their rights, listen to their concerns, and investigate and resolve their complaints. I seek to secure for them the dignity, respect, and quality of care they deserve.”

Another volunteer, Wilma from Georgia, joined the Metro Atlanta Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) after she found retirement boring. RSVP is reportedly one of the largest volunteer networks in the United States for people over 55 who want to use their knowledge and skills in their communities. She told ACL, “Too many older adults in the Atlanta metro area simply don’t know where to go when they need help or services; they don’t what resources are available or how to obtain them. Through RSVP, I can help point the way and I love it!”

OAM was established in 1963 by the ACL as a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to the United States, especially those who have served in the US military. OAM is celebrated across the country in a variety of ways such as through ceremonies, events, and activities.

Other stories of active older adults helping others in their communities and local nursing facilities are online at OAM/ACL website.—Amanda Del Signore