How to Volunteer in a Local Care Facility

A Handbook for Nursing Home Ministry - Fifth Edition Section Nine
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2004 by Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.
Handbook Table of Contents Web Site Table of Contents

Step One – Read God’s Word

Scriptural Meditations on Ministry to the Elderly

This is a list of Biblical passages which shed light on God’s perspective on ministry to our elderly neighbors. As you contemplate this area of Christian service, please keep these scriptures in mind. Let the Lord speak to your heart through His written word. Share these passages of scripture with others who may be interested in participating with you in care facility ministry.

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. Job 12: 12

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. Psalm 71: 9

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. Psalm 92: 14

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25: 37-40

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Luke: 6: 32-34

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12: 21-27

If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. 1 Timothy 5: 16

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1: 22-27

Step Two – Pray

(1) Sincerely pray and ask the Lord Jesus if this is something that He wants you to be involved with.

If you sense that this might be a ministry that you may pursue with His blessing,

Ask Jesus for His leading as you follow the path for this personal ministry. Because it would honor our Lord, volunteer to help the staff and the residents of the facility with a personal commitment to integrity, diligence and faithfulness, having a servant’s heart. It can be an unfortunate reproach on our Savior’s Name when a Christian volunteer or ministry makes a commitment to a facility and then follows through with tardiness, laziness and unfaithfulness. With these words in mind, prayerfully consider the following passages of scripture. (Taken from the King James Version)

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3: 17

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4: 11

Step Three – Do the Questionnaire

Referring to the appropriate sections of this manual and the yellow pages of your phone book as needed, make a copy of the following worksheet and thoughtfully answer the basic questions before you call a care facility to volunteer.

Care Facility Volunteer Questionnaire (Click here for an Adobe Reader (.pdf) file of this form.)

What do I want to do as a volunteer in the facility? ( Make a list, if possible.)

What type(s) of facility do I want to work in?

Within what local geographic area do I want to volunteer?

Which specific facilities meet the previous two criteria? (List them with their phone numbers)

As you consider the following three questions, do NOT over commit yourself!

What day or days of the week — or month — or year — do I want to volunteer?

What time of day would be good for me to be there?

How many hours would I be able to commit to, comfortably, for each visit?

Step Four – Choose a Facility

Now that you have prayerfully filled out your “Care Facility Volunteer Questionnaire” . . .

2) Discuss with them how your interest to be involved would best assist the residents of their facility and fit into their activities calendar.

Step Five – Go to Your Pastor

Make a copy of the “Pastor’s Recommendation Form” that follows. Go to your Pastor and tell him about your desire and plan to minister in a care facility. After going over your specific intentions with your Pastor, make any adjustments as necessary. You and your Pastor will then fill out the “Pastor’s Recommendation Form.” Click here for an Adobe Reader file of this form.

Pastor’s Recommendation Form

Full Name (please print): _________________________________________________________

Home Address: ____________________________________________ Zipcode: ____________

Daytime Phone No. _______________________ Evening Phone No.______________________

Care Facility Where I Wish to Volunteer:_____________________________________________

Address of Facility: _________________________________________ Zipcode:____________

Phone Number of Facility:_____________ Activity Director’s Name:______________________

Activities I Wish to Volunteer for: __________________________________________________

Candidate’s Signature: __________________________________________ Date____________

I have been the Pastor of _________________________________________________________

for ________ yrs. / mos. (circle one). I attest to their participation in good standing within the fellowship of our local congregation. In my opinion, this person would be a satisfactory candidate for volunteering at your facility for the above mentioned activities for the hours each month as indicated.

Pastor’s Full Name (please print):__________________________________________________

Ordained / Licensed (Circle one) by Whom? _________________________________________

Church Address: ____________________________________________ Zipcode:____________

Pastor’s Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ____________

Step Six – Go to the Facility

Deliver the completed Pastor’s Recommendation Form to the activity director of the facility of your choice.

Fill out the appropriate volunteer application as required by the activity director.

Facility Applications

Most facilities require volunteer evaluations and/or applications to aid them in placing you in the most appropriate role in their program. Often, the activity director offers training and orientation classes for volunteers. Please accept these processes as part of your opportunity to serve. Try not to look at them as obstacles. Remember, the staff of the facility is responsible for what you do while in their facility. Be cooperative and understanding during your orientation procedures. Approach orientation as a valuable learning experience.

Some facilities require yearly medical evaluations and tests such as a PPD test for tuberculosis. These are usually provided at the facility without cost to the volunteer. Cooperate fully with these tests as part of your responsibility - they are for the good of the residents you love and may also benefit you greatly.

Step Seven – Begin Your Ministry

The process that we recommend here is well worth the effort. When you get to know the sweet folks that are waiting for you to brighten up their day, you will fully agree. Study the other material in this handbook, especially Section 6, “Profile of the Care Facility Population.”

You could skip the bulk of the first five steps in these procedures, but you would rob yourself of the benefit of really thinking through your interests and level of commitment. The Church will be better served, the Lord’s Name will be better honored, and the residents will enjoy your faithfulness and dedication if you will take the little extra time and effort required to follow our simple steps for volunteering. Do it, and make some hard working activity director’s day! If, along the way, you have any questions, please call us at Christian Concourse (757- 714-3133) or leave a message in our guestbook and we will be glad to help. Thanks, and God bless you.

Special Skills

Many tasks that you will be asked to do as a volunteer will not require special education or training. In some cases, though, you may feel hesitant or find yourself struggling over a certain job or responsibility for which you consider yourself inadequate. Usually, the activity director will be able to provide training in these situations. Your pastor or a more experienced volunteer may be able to help. Please do not hesitate to seek out such instruction. Of course, you are always welcome to call Christian Concourse (757- 714-3133) for ideas and information! For even more independent, in- depth guidance, go to your local library. There, you will find books that provide tried and true advice in caregiving. If you prefer, you can purchase some good material from Christian ministries such as we include in Section 14, “Reference Resources.”

Hints for the Volunteer

When You Meet a Person with a Disability

(Prepared by the Mayor’s Committee for Persons With Disabilities, City of Portsmouth, Virginia. Used by permission.)

Offering assistance to someone is only polite behavior. Giving help before it is accepted is rude. Ask how to help. The person with a disability will instruct you.

Offer help but wait until it is accepted before you give it. It is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands (shaking hands with the left hand is an acceptable greeting).

Accept the fact that a disability exists. Not acknowledging a disability is similar to ignoring someone’s sex or height. On the other hand, it would be inappropriate to ask personal questions.

Talk directly to a person with a disability, not to someone accompanying them. Address people who have disabilities by their first names only when extending that same familiarity to all others present. (Never patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder.) To ignore a person’s existence in a group is insensitive, and it is rude for two people to discuss a third person who is also present.

Don’t park your car in a handicapped parking space. These spaces are reserved out of necessity, not convenience. Some people with a disability cannot walk distances; others need extra space in order to get wheelchairs in and out of the car.

Treat a person with a disability as healthy. A person with a functional limitation is not sick.

Listen attentively when you’re talking with a person who has a speech impairment. Be patient and wait for the person to finish, rather than correcting or speaking for the person. If necessary, ask short questions that require short answers, a nod, or a shake of the head. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty doing so. Instead, repeat what you have understood and allow the person to respond. The response will clue you in and guide your understanding. Consider that the individual may have a disability which affects social or motor skills.

Don’t exclude or excuse a person with a disability from participating because of their disability. Let the individual make that decision.

Hearing Impairment

When you meet a person with a hearing impairment, speak directly in front of them, clearly and distinctly, don’t exaggerate. Use normal speed unless asked to slow down.

Provide a clear view of your mouth. Waving your hands or holding something in front of your lips, thus hiding them, makes lip reading impossible.

Lip reading is at best an educated guess. Expect a person with a hearing impairment to ask to have information repeated. He/she will often repeat the information back to you for verification.

Use a normal tone unless you are asked to raise your voice. Shouting will be of no help and may distort the sound for a person wearing hearing aids.

Speak expressively. Persons with hearing impairments cannot hear subtle changes in tone which indicate sarcasm or seriousness. They rely on your facial expression, gestures, and body movements to understand you.

Some have the impression that the inability to hear implies inability to speak. Not so! Persons who have lost their hearing as adults will speak normally, although their voices may be harsh. Persons who have been taught to speak without having heard their own voices may be difficult to understand. If you are having a tough time understanding someone with a hearing impairment, ask them to repeat themselves. If that doesn’t help, use pen and paper. Communicating is your goal.

If a person with a hearing impairment is with an interpreter, speak directly to the person with a hearing impairment, not the interpreter.

Persons who were born with a hearing impairment think in pictures, not words. Speak in simple sentences, avoid abstract concepts.

Visual Impairment

When you meet a person with a visual impairment, offer help, but wait until it is accepted before you give it. Always identify yourself and others who may be with you. When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking. If you are not sure exactly what to do, ask the person to instruct you.

To guide a person with a visual impairment, let them take your arm. Don’t grab an arm and try to steer. The person with a visual impairment will walk about half a step behind you, following your body motions. If you encounter steps, curbs, or other obstacles, identify them. In narrow places, bring your arms back and let the person follow you.

When talking to a person with a visual impairment, speak directly to them using a normal tone and speed of voice. Blindness does not affect hearing and intelligence.

When you are leaving a person with a visual impairment, say so. Anyone would feel foolish talking to thin air. If you get someone to help the person with a visual impairment, introduce the helper so they can become acquainted.

Don’t avoid using words like blind, look or see. People with visual impairments use them too.

When giving directions to a person with a visual impairment, be clear and specific. Make sure to point out obstacles in the direct path of travel.

When guiding a person with a visual impairment to a chair, simply guide their hand to the back of the chair and tell him/her if the chair has arms.

Resist the temptation to pet working guide dogs. They have been trained to work with persons who have a visual impairment, hearing impairment and mobility impairment. If a dog is distracted, its owner can be in danger.

In a restaurant, people with visual impairments usually have no trouble with ordinary table skills. They may need help with ordering from the menu and with placement of utensils and food.

Ninety percent of the persons with a legal visual impairment have some vision. They can see a great deal if you will help them locate the object you are discussing. They will need help with color, line, and fine details.

When giving a description of something, if anything is touchable, say so. Touching will enhance the person’s understanding of your description.

When You Meet a Person Who Uses a Wheelchair

Do not automatically hold on to a person’s wheelchair. It is part of the person’s body space.

Offer assistance, but do not insist. If a person needs help, he/she will accept your offer and tell you what to do.

Talk directly to the person using the wheelchair. Never talk to a third party. A person in a wheelchair is not helpless or unable to talk.

Be alert to the existence of architectural barriers. These would be steps, curbs, narrow or heavy doors, high counters or displays, and bathrooms not equipped for persons with disabilities.

If the conversation is lengthy, sit down. It is uncomfortable for a seated person to look upward for a long period of time.

Do not attempt to lift a person in a wheelchair without his/her permission. Tilt the front wheels up and roll the wheelchair backwards up the steps and forward down steps. Be sure to have someone in the front or in back to steady the wheelchair.

Mental Impairment – Dementia

Dementia is a generic term referring to the emotional and cognitive disorders caused by mental and physical infirmity. Aging is not a direct cause of, and does not necessarily result in, dementia. Dementia is the result of a disease of one kind or another. Also, the symptoms of dementia can result from over-medication, chronic lack of stimulation in daily life, or chronic over-stimulation.

Behaviors Associated With Dementia

Wandering

Wandering can occur for many reasons. A resident suffering from dementia may be searching for something or for someone. Unfortunately, in cases where they cannot communicate with words, it may be difficult to find out exactly why they are wandering. Obviously, due to the dementia, they may not know why they are wandering themselves. If wandering is a real danger, the care facility will take measures to make the living area secure. It is important for you to respect these protected boundaries. Always communicate first with facility staff when transporting a demented resident outside secured doors. Safe guarding a nursing home is different from one facility to the next simply because layouts are different, so, ask questions and stay informed of the measures taken by the facility where you volunteer.

Anger/Frustration

Anger and frustration can occur for many reasons. A demented resident may be angry because they cannot remember or because they cannot do certain activities anymore. They may even take this anger out on you. Do not take it personally. Be understanding and listen to their feelings. The resident is probably just as frustrated as you.

Hallucinations/Delusions

Due to dementia, a resident may see people or objects that you do not see. You may find them staring into space. To you, no one is there; to them, someone is there. Ask them what they see or hear. They may be remembering the past, seeing a deceased loved one, or looking at an animal that isn’t in the home. Reminiscing can be very helpful, so this may be an opportunity for you to begin.

Depression

Depression occurs for many reasons, many of which you, as a volunteer, cannot control and may not understand. Be patient and peaceful and loving. When you are in a facility for a while and you get to know some of the residents for a longer length of time, you may notice that they aren’t as involved with activities as before or they might begin withdrawing from you. Again, just be loving and available as God gives you strength.

Paranoia/Suspicions

This can be extremely difficult for a caregiver or volunteer. Often, the resident will accuse you, the caregiver, of stealing even when they misplaced an item. Look for the item with them. Be prepared that they may still accuse you. Patiently repeat your statement.

Refusal to Bathe

No one wants to be dependent. Depending on someone to help you bathe may be embarrassing. It is better not to push the resident suffering dementia. If possible, let them wash by themselves while the caregiver discreetly provides assistance when needed.

Sundowner’s Syndrome

Sundowner’s Syndrome occurs at night. This happens when a resident is restless and after “sundown” they are up. They will have problems falling asleep and will be up and about during the night. Wandering is frequent.

Repeat Actions

Repeating actions and sentences is very common in Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia. It can happen for many reasons. A resident may have forgotten what activity they were doing before being interrupted or they may have forgotten what they just said. Also, they may feel that you are not listening and think it is necessary to repeat themselves.

Inventing New Words

Sometimes a resident with dementia will forget a word and create their own. Some caregivers and volunteers simply learn the new words, so they will know what their friend is trying to say. Others correct the word. Use your best judgment.

Using Curse Words

This may be difficult to correct, especially if the resident is inclined to violence. Some caregivers ignore the words, as with children. If no one responds to them, they may not curse anymore. Some caregivers will try to change the direction the language is taking. Be sensitive to the resident and be a peace maker.

Language Disturbances

Brain functions slow down with dementia, especially Alzheimer’s Disease. A resident may slur words together or may have a tremble in their voice. They may even whisper words. If this happens, repeat what you think is being said. Don’t be afraid to ask the resident to repeat themselves.

Please Note: We all lose things, we all forget names, we all become lazy when it comes to self care at one time or another. Therefore, be careful not to try your hand at diagnosing dementia. Let the professionals do that. As for memory, we often hear “But she remembers dates and things from 50 years ago... She remembers the names of her teachers and her first pet.” With dementia, it is not uncommon for the person to have a very active long-term memory while short term memory is lost.

Reminiscing is fantastic with an elderly person, even with dementia. People, in general, love to talk about their past. If you try this, it is not uncommon for names and places to be made up. A person might keep talking about their dog. Later, you find out that they never had a dog. But, they are so happy to just talk and in their mind they really had a dog. So, listen, nod your head, be interested. The resident feels happy talking about their past and you feel happy because the resident is happy. As mentioned in the next section, Guidelines for Care Facility Visitation, this is known as Validation Therapy. However, if the resident becomes agitated, change the subject until a later date. With dementia, moods can change in an instant.

Guidelines for Care Facility Visitation

As a volunteer, be mindful that you are a visitor in the home of private citizens and you are there by their leave.

Before giving any edibles, be informed of any health conditions that may restrict a resident’s diet.

Allow residents to be sad or upset. Validate their feelings in respect for them as persons. To cheer them, redirect their thoughts on the same subject rather than trying to change the subject.

Do not presume to know a resident’s state of mind; nor confront residents with questions about dementia. If necessary, ask the professional care-giver on staff about a specific resident’s lucidness. Personally get to know a resident’s level of awareness through a relationship based on your patience and understanding.

Some residents will not remember being told previously about significant events or facts. Their reaction to “old” information will often be as though they are hearing it for the first time. For example, grief over the news that a loved one has passed away may be equally intense each time it is mentioned. Therefore, in such cases, do not lie to them but focus on helping them deal with their FEELINGS AT THE PRESENT TIME rather than being sure they have all the information exactly right. This is called Validation Therapy.

Speak to each resident by name, making a point to know how each resident wants to be addressed (i.e., Mr. / Mrs. / Dr. / Rev. / etc.).

Do not presume that a resident knows your name. They will often remember your face but they want to talk to you by name. Mention your name early in the conversation.

Touch is an important communicator of genuine concern, personal affirmation and sincere affection.

Due to immobility, poor hearing and reduced peripheral vision, elderly residents have difficulty changing their direction of focus when someone approaches on the side or from the back. Therefore, draw near to them from the front and speak to them face to face.

When speaking to a resident, pronounce your words distinctly and with a clear voice. Use no greater volume than is necessary for them to understand you plainly. Do not use babytalk in your conversation.

LISTEN!!! No matter what your role in the facility, be quick to listen to the resident. Give them as much control of the conversation or activity as possible.

Before moving people in a wheelchair, always ask permission while standing in their view, and tell them where they are going. In this way, being polite and considerate, you may also prevent a hand or foot injury.

Most residents consider themselves Christians, and many are stronger in their faith in Jesus than you are. Be careful not to “talk down” to them.

Avoid making a commitment unless you are sure you will be able to keep it. Good intentions count a little but they’re not good enough when a resident is devastated with disappointment!

And remember, older persons are just like you, only, sometimes, a little more so!

A Prayer for Those in Nursing Home Ministry

Father, thank You for calling me to minister to Your children in nursing homes. I purpose to keep on going by Your power, for You first saved me and then called me to this holy work. It was Your idea, a gift prepared for me in Jesus long before I knew anything about it.

Thank You for Your Word — the entrance of Your Word brings light, and Your light is the life of men. Let the words that I speak be Your Words of spirit and life, and I pray that the light of the Gospel will illumine the minds of those to whom I minister.

Thank You Lord, for those who welcome me, reaching out for prayer, encouragement, and hugs. I pray that the love in my eyes and voice and words will bring joy to their hearts.

Father, You have a purpose for them. You want them to continue bringing forth fruit in their old age. Help me to bring understanding to them. Help me to encourage and teach them to continue in their desire to be useful, thus fulfilling Your purposes in their lives.

Oh, Father, I pray for those who are in fetal positions, not speaking or opening their eyes. I pray for those who struggle with mental and emotional handicaps caused by disease and aging. I pray for those who struggle with pain and disease in their bodies. I pray for those who are weakened by emotional hurt deep in their hearts. Arise, O Son of righteousness, and minister to these souls who will soon meet You face to face. Lord, Your arm is not shortened that You cannot save, and nothing is too hard for You. Give me wisdom tempered with true compassion to minister restoration and hope to these hurting souls in Your Name.

Father, You execute justice for the fatherless and the widow, and You are a Judge and Champion of the widow. You preserve and uphold the fatherless and widow and You set them upright. I pray these promises over all those I minister to, trusting You to watch over Your Word to perform it.

I pray that I not minister in my own strength, but in the divine power which You provide. It is my purpose always to be obedient to James 1: 27, “External religious worship... that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need...and to reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight.”

Lord, I desire to serve You with a glad heart and a joyous spirit. Whatever You call me to do, I trust You to equip me with all that I need to accomplish it.

(Adapted from “Prayers That Avail Much, Volume III” by Word Ministries, Inc., Harrison House, Inc., Publisher. Taken from the website of Faithful Friends Nursing Home Ministry , http://www.faithfulfriends.org .)

This Handbook Presented to the Interdenominational Church by
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Christian ConcourseTM
Dedicated To Promote Christian Accord

How to Volunteer in a Local Care Facility

﻿Step One – Read God’s Word

Scriptural Meditations on Ministry to the Elderly

Step Two – Pray

Step Three – Do the Questionnaire

﻿Care Facility Volunteer Questionnaire (Click here for an Adobe Reader (.pdf) file of this form.)

Step Four – Choose a Facility

Step Five – Go to Your Pastor

﻿Pastor’s Recommendation Form

﻿Step Six – Go to the Facility

Facility Applications

Step Seven – Begin Your Ministry

Special Skills

Hints for the Volunteer

When You Meet a Person with a Disability

Hearing Impairment

Visual Impairment

When You Meet a Person Who Uses a Wheelchair

Mental Impairment – Dementia

Behaviors Associated With Dementia

Wandering

Anger/Frustration

Hallucinations/Delusions

Depression

Paranoia/Suspicions

Refusal to Bathe

Sundowner’s Syndrome

Repeat Actions

Inventing New Words

Using Curse Words

Language Disturbances

Guidelines for Care Facility Visitation

A Prayer for Those in Nursing Home Ministry

Step One – Read God’s Word

Care Facility Volunteer Questionnaire (Click here for an Adobe Reader (.pdf) file of this form.)

Pastor’s Recommendation Form

Step Six – Go to the Facility