Many people feel that visiting a nursing home as a volunteer (striking up conversations with residents, playing games such as bingo, etc.) is too difficult and too depressing.

However, I disagree.

Granted, volunteering at a nursing home isn't for everybody. But if you look at spending time with nursing home residents as an opportunity to help others, then it can be anything but sad. As a matter of fact, it can be very meaningful, especially considering that most of the residents really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit them.

To me, what's sad is people, especially family members not taking the time to visit lonely nursing home residents.

So if you've never volunteered at a nursing home, you might want to try it. It's rewarding, worthwhile, and quite meaningful. You will be surprised how much you learn from an elderly person.

You're a good person, Tony! I'm proud to have you as my nephew!!

Alan Smithee wrote:

You're a good person, Tony! I'm proud to have you as my nephew!!

Thanks Uncle. Since I was a kid I have learned a wealth of information just listening to the Older Generations, they have a lifetime of fascinating living experiences to share!

I couldn't agree with you more, Tony. In high school, I worked in a nursing home and would often stay after punching out to play cards with some of the residents. Or we would just talk.

Never volunteered.....but me and my classmates once caroled at a nursing home during the holidays. The people seemed to enjoy it and we spent the day with them. Pretty nice folks.

Nystyle709 wrote:

Never volunteered.....but me and my classmates once caroled at a nursing home during the holidays. The people seemed to enjoy it and we spent the day with them. Pretty nice folks.

That reminds me of when my youth church group caroled for older church couples on Valentines Day. It was so cool.