Volunteering at Brookdale
Everyone has a different reason for why they volunteer. Some are motivated to give back to their local community or make an impact on those around them. Others seek volunteer opportunities to learn valuable skills or knowledge that can help them build a future career.
No matter what your reasons are for volunteering, giving your time and energy to a senior living community is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Our residents have more wisdom and stories to share than you could ever imagine. From airplane engineers and artists to war veterans, you never know who you might meet, or what you might discover, at your local Brookdale community.
By volunteering, I am giving someone a chance to enjoy their life anew. I am hearing new stories and seeing a sparkle in the eyes of those I visit, all because I visited with them and acknowledged them and their life just as others did for my parents. After each visit I know it has been time well spent.
What Are The Requirements to Volunteer?
In addition to a good attitude and dependability, Brookdale volunteers need to meet the following requirements:
- Understand that volunteers are here for the benefit of the residents
- Be at least 16 years old unless participating as part of a school or church group
- Willing to submit to a background check and test negative for tuberculosis (TB)
- Complete simple paperwork and orientation
For more information on volunteering, please contact your local Brookdale community.
With A Giving Heart
A mother-daughter duo share their joy of flower arranging with residents.
Ways to Volunteer
Brookdale volunteers play an important role in the lives of our residents, and we view them as an essential part of our team. If you have a passion for seniors and are interested in giving your time, here are what some of our volunteer opportunities look like:
Large group activities. Volunteers can help with everything from setting up and serving refreshments to distributing supplies during large group activities like picnics, holiday parties, and community outreach events.
Small group activities. If you want to help with small group activities, you can expect to spend more one-on-one time with our residents. Some of these activities may include art workshops, book club meetings and game time.
Individual activities. Sometimes volunteers can work with individual residents. They may be asked to read to a resident who is sight-impaired, help a resident with arthritis write a letter or simply visit with residents who aren’t as comfortable in large group settings.
Clergy services. Members of the clergy who come as individuals on a regular basis to provide religious services or one-on-one visits to residents are considered volunteers.
Off-site excursions. These volunteers can accompany residents and staff on the community bus on a space-available basis. Alternatively, volunteers who wish to attend an off-site activity may meet the residents at the outing location.
We strive to provide volunteers with opportunities that line up with their interests, but availability varies with each community. We also don’t allow volunteers to do any work that is considered part of an associate’s job (like concierge, office duties, driving, serving in the dining room, etc.)
- Arranging flowers for dining room tables
- Assisting in event planning and implementation
- Engaging in fundraising opportunities
- Placing flyers in mailboxes
- Assisting with activity programs
- Serving as a Welcome Ambassador or a member of Resident Council
While we don’t allow residents to do any work that is considered part of an associate’s job (like concierge, office duties, driving, serving in the dining room, etc.), we’re more than happy to find ways for you to get more involved in the day-to-day life where you live.
For more information on how you can volunteer as a resident, please speak to your local Brookdale community.
With a wide variety of fun-filled events and activities, you’ll never run out of things to do.
All of our apartments are designed to feel and function like a private home.
We’ve developed a series of signature programs to enhance your quality of life.