Elderly Care Volunteer Programs Abroad

When weighing the options for volunteering abroad, volunteers often begin with the decision of what age group to invest their time in. In many countries, it’s not just children that are left neglected or in vast need of resources to help manage their day-to-day needs. The number of elderly individuals in need has increased over the years in countries with large aging populations. Those who do senior citizens volunteer abroad can look forward to spending quality time with elderly individuals and actively finding ways to improve their quality of life. And of course, hearing some really great stories.

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A Guide to Volunteering Abroad with Senior Citizens

Best Locations

Here are some of the most popular locations to volunteer with senior citizens abroad:

Senior citizens in Argentina who live in shelters or homes often are simply looking for someone to cheer them up and foster a positive living environment. Those who want to do volunteer work with senior citizens abroad in Argentina will typically help seniors carry out their day-to-day tasks, and also come up with new activities for seniors to spend high quality time together.

South Africa has a large senior population in massive need of healthcare due to poverty and political issues which impede them from living a healthy life. Volunteers in South Africa will often act as ambassadors of peace, assist with implementing new health practices, or spend genuine time with senior citizens providing them with care and support.

India is constantly in need of volunteers to work in local centers that provide essential care and support for senior citizens. Volunteer work with senior citizens in India is usually vital to their well-being, such as medicine distribution or care for individuals suffering with disabilities, therefore senior citizens volunteer abroad experiences in India involves a great deal of patience and the ability to inspire happiness.

What Else You Need to Know

It goes without saying that many of the organizations housing seniors run solely on volunteer assistance. Many of these organizations, or homes for senior citizens, are in dire need of volunteers to help maintain the health, wellbeing, and at times medical care of residents.

Popular projects. Some volunteer programs at elderly care centers may request that volunteers help senior citizens in showering, dressing, eating, and other basic activities that you may take for granted in your own daily life. Tasks will vary based on your skill set and how comfortable you feel with the task (i.e. providing medical treatment is not required if you are not qualified).

Professional benefits you can gain. Many placements volunteering with senior citizens, will also give volunteers the chance to tap into their creative side, by coming up with activities that allow senior citizens to get crafty, creative, and remain active.

Be a humanitarian. The majority of programs and organizations that advocate for and provide volunteering opportunities with senior citizens have one thing in common: they are open to participants worldwide, as long as volunteers have a big heart.

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Setting time aside for senior citizens volunteer abroad will not only be fulfilling, it will also enhance your education and work experience. When applying for jobs in the medical, nursing, counseling, or the special education fields, volunteer experience with seniors will be something recruiters or potential employers will notice. If beginning a career in medicine or in special education, getting the hang of things can be challenging and tough, but volunteering abroad with seniors can be good preparation for careers in the latter fields.

Volunteering with senior citizens abroad will not only teach you discipline, it will also teach you how to interact with people outside of your comfort zone. It will also provide you with a unique chance to practice your language skills or develop knowledge of a new language. While working with elderly individuals you will even be able to learn specific idioms and customs, and you will get a personal and tailored experience unlike any out there.

If you choose to volunteer abroad with seniors, rest assured that you will gain the pulse, rhythm, and the heartbeat of that country from the wisest population. This experience will personally enrich you just as much as exploring and crossing off bucket list destinations would. Consider signing up for elderly care volunteer abroad programs and get ready to crack a smile and spread some hope!