Deciding to move into a retirement community is a significant step that involves careful consideration.
While researching amenities and touring facilities are essential parts of the decision-making process, there is another, often overlooked, way to gain valuable insight into your potential new home.
And that’s by volunteering there!
Volunteering: Know the Benefits
By spending time volunteering at a retirement community before making the move, you can gather firsthand experience that goes beyond brochures and sales pitches. Here are some reasons why this approach can be beneficial, and why continuing to volunteer after you move in can be equally rewarding.
Get to Know More About the Community
Volunteering gives you a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the retirement community you’re considering. It allows you to observe the day-to-day operations and get a feel for the environment.
- Are the activities engaging?
- Do residents seem happy and comfortable?
- Is the atmosphere one that you can see yourself enjoying?
By volunteering, you can answer these questions with personal experience rather than relying solely on information provided by the community.
Get to Know the Staff
The staff at a retirement community play a critical role in the residents’ quality of life. As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to interact with staff members regularly, observe how they treat residents, and get a sense of the overall culture of the community.
That can be invaluable in helping you determine if the staff is genuinely caring and responsive, which is crucial for your peace of mind and well-being once you move in.
Get to Know the Community’s Residents
Building relationships with current residents is another significant advantage of volunteering before moving in. These residents will likely become your neighbors and friends if you decide to join the community. Volunteering allows you to engage with them, hear their experiences, and see if you can picture yourself forming meaningful connections.
This early interaction can ease the transition when you move in, as you’ll already have familiar faces to greet you.
Give Back While Gaining Information
Volunteering isn’t just about what you can learn; it’s also about what you can give. By contributing your time and skills, you’re helping to enhance the community, even as you’re evaluating it. This dual-purpose approach allows you to give back while also gathering information to make an informed decision about your future home.
Even if you ultimately decide against moving into that particular community, you’ll have made a positive impact.
Why Keep Volunteering After You Move In?
Once you’ve decided to make the retirement community your new home, continuing to volunteer is a fantastic way to enhance your experience and well-being.
Choose What You’re Passionate About
After moving in, you’ll have the opportunity to choose volunteer activities that align with your passions and interests. Whether it’s organizing social events, helping with gardening, or supporting wellness programs, engaging in activities you love can make your time in the community more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Enjoy the Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering offers numerous benefits, especially for seniors. Research shows that volunteering can help combat depression and anxiety while improving physical health. By giving back, you foster a sense of purpose and community connection, which can greatly enhance your overall well-being.
In summary, volunteering at a retirement community both before and after moving in provides a wealth of benefits, from understanding the community’s offerings and building relationships with staff and residents to contributing positively to the community and maintaining your own physical and mental well-being.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to any of our member communities today for more information on how to begin volunteering.