Friday, September 20, 2013

Volunteer Activities For The Elderly Handicapped

Disabilities and handicaps provide opportunities for employees and volunteers to be creative.


Elderly, handicapped individuals are often unfairly discriminated against in American and global society. Many have disabilities that fall within certain categories, such as cognitive, sensory, emotional, physical and neurological. While the handicapped senior may be unable to participate in specific tasks, she can serve in many types of volunteer roles that work around the specific disability.


Quiet Activities


Hospitals contain chronically and terminally ill children and adults who welcome opportunities to interact with different people. An elderly, handicapped volunteer can read to a child or color and make sketches. Volunteers can also play card or board games with adult patients, or provide cordial conversation.


Light-duty Work


Elderly, disabled volunteers with slight physical limitations can perform clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing papers. Other duties might include greeting clients, providing them with directions or dispensing information about the company. Many office tasks can be relegated to a seated position, so these job functions are generally not demanding.


Fundraising Initiatives


Many elderly, disabled persons were once vital members of organizations and could offer substantive, creative suggestions for fundraisers and other special events. Allowing volunteer opportunities to be extended to the elderly and handicapped is a great way to boost self-esteem and restore a sense of self-worth. Volunteers can help distribute promotional information about the company's fundraising initiatives and events.







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