Overcoming hesitations in visiting the local long-term care community
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Introduction
It’s no longer a surprise to learn that loneliness is a pervasive issue among the people living in long-term care communities, with half of them never receiving a visit and twice as likely to die in the same period as the people who are receiving visits. As someone deeply involved in the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers (NALTCV), I find it critical to deeply examine why people hesitate to visit their local long-term care community. This blog will explore the sources, underlying fears, lifestyle characteristics, and more while proposing strategies to educate the public and encourage volunteering, focusing on fostering authentic relationships.
Understanding Hesitations
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>>> Stereotypes and Misconceptions
One of the primary obstacles we face is the prevalence of negative stereotypes associated with long-term care communities. Society often holds misconceptions about the quality of care, living conditions, and the overall atmosphere within these places. These stereotypes can be a significant deterrent for potential volunteers.
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To counter this, sharing stories is essential. Narratives of volunteers making a positive impact, testimonials from the people who live there, and success stories can challenge these stereotypes. These real-life examples can be powerful tools to reshape perceptions and encourage community involvement.
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>>> Fear of the Unknown
Having spent considerable time within long-term care communities, I understand the fear of the unknown that potential visitors might experience. I remember my first visit. I was afraid. So, I know that entering a long-term care community for the first time can be intimidating. Being unsure of how to interact with the people living there and what to expect can create a barrier to engagement.
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To address this, organizing familiarization programs is crucial. Guided tours, open house events, and orientation sessions can provide potential volunteers with a firsthand and positive experience of the environment. By demystifying the long-term care setting, we can alleviate the fear of the unknown and make it more accessible to the community.
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>>> Busy Lifestyles
Recognizing the challenges posed by modern, fast-paced lifestyles is crucial. Many perceive visiting a nursing home as time-consuming, especially considering work commitments, personal responsibilities, and other engagements.
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To overcome this, we need to offer flexible volunteering opportunities. Tailoring programs to accommodate varying schedules, whether a few hours a week or a monthly commitment, can make volunteering more accessible. Acknowledging busy lifestyles can attract a wider pool of potential volunteers.
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Breaking Down Barriers
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>>> Education Campaigns
In my experience, I have found that education is vital to dispelling stereotypes. Initiating comprehensive education campaigns that highlight the positive aspects of nursing homes is essential. Share stories of volunteers making a difference, highlight the amenities and care provided, and emphasize the positive impact of companionship on residents’ well-being. Educating volunteers about and orienting them to long-term care is one of the NALTCV’s missions. We want to dispel the myths and stereotypes and orient them to the operations of a long-term care community so that they are not overwhelmed when they arrive at the doorstep of the long-term care community.
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In addition, we can collaborate with local media outlets, community organizations, and influencers to amplify our message. By leveraging various channels, we can reach a broader audience and challenge preconceived notions about nursing homes. You cannot do this setting at your desk. You must get out into the community and present your case to community leaders, clergy, community groups, and others. Have a brochure, a business card, and a way for people to contact you.
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>>> Familiarization Programs
Based on my interactions with volunteers, I’ve observed the transformative effect of familiarization programs. These initiatives educate and humanize the experience of being in a long-term care community. Organize guided tours, open house events, and interactive sessions that allow people to engage with the people who live there and the care staff, fostering a sense of familiarity and comfort.
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Sharing personal anecdotes from volunteers who initially had reservations but found the experience enriching can be a powerful tool in these programs. Real stories create relatability and demonstrate that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to fulfilling connections.
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>>> Flexible Volunteering Opportunities
Understanding the constraints of busy lifestyles requires a tailored approach. As someone passionate about volunteering, I advocate for flexible programs accommodating diverse schedules. This could involve creating volunteer shifts during evenings or weekends, allowing individuals to contribute based on availability. However, consistency is essential. The care staff must be confident that the volunteer will appear as scheduled.
Additionally, utilizing technology to facilitate virtual volunteering or remote engagement can be a game-changer. This approach caters to busy schedules and opens volunteering opportunities to a broader audience.
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>>> Highlighting Personal Benefits
Having interacted with numerous volunteers and my personal volunteer experiences, I can attest to the benefits of volunteering in long-term care communities. It’s crucial to highlight these advantages to attract potential volunteers. Emphasize the opportunity to develop meaningful connections, gain valuable life experiences, and positively impact someone’s life. I cannot think of when I left the long-term care community when I was not uplifted and refreshed. When we give of ourselves, it lifts our spirits as well.
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Sharing testimonials and personal reflections from volunteers can add a human touch to these benefits. Letting volunteers tell their stories creates authenticity and serves as a persuasive tool for recruitment. It’s one thing if I tell you about the benefits of volunteering in a long-term care community, but if one of our volunteers agrees to tell their own story, the story becomes even more effective in reaching others.
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Encouraging Community Involvement
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>>> Community Events
Based on my involvement over the years in community-wide events, I’ve witnessed the positive impact of those events involving nursing home residents in attracting new volunteers. At every event, be sure to collect contact information from the volunteers for that event to follow up with them after the event, inviting them to a longer commitment. Collaborate with local organizations to organize art exhibitions, cultural performances, or joint initiatives that bring together the broader community and the residents. Your imagination is your limit.
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These events break down barriers and create a sense of shared experience and understanding. Encouraging interaction between the people in long-term care communities and the surrounding community fosters a more inclusive and compassionate society.
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>>> Recognition Program
Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of long-term care volunteers is vital. Establishing recognition programs acknowledges their efforts and inspires others to join in. As someone dedicated to highlighting the value of volunteers, these programs create a sense of community involvement and shared responsibility.
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Promoting these programs through various channels, such as social media, local news, and community bulletin boards, can amplify their impact. Recognizing volunteers reinforces their significance and encourages others to participate.
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Additional Considerations:
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>>> Ongoing Volunteer Training
When people feel like they have not been prepared for their volunteer experience, they are likely to quit. They want to feel confident knowing what to expect and how to react. In my role within the NALTCV, I have emphasized the importance of training and ongoing volunteer training.
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Research shows that volunteers want quality training and resources on hand because they want to grow through ongoing training. Continuous training programs ensure that volunteers are equipped with the skills to establish authentic relationships. Share success stories of volunteers who have undergone ongoing training and the positive outcomes they have achieved.
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Highlighting specific training modules and their impact on enhancing communication, empathy, and understanding can motivate volunteers to invest in personal development. Emphasizing the ongoing support provided to volunteers fosters a sense of community and camaraderie.
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>>> Research-backed Approaches
As someone committed to the cause, I understand the importance of supporting our message with research findings. Presenting scientific evidence that validates the efficacy of companion volunteers in mitigating loneliness and improving the quality of life for nursing home residents adds credibility to our efforts.
Collaborate with researchers and experts in the field to conduct studies highlighting volunteer engagement’s tangible benefits. Utilize these findings in educational materials, presentations, and outreach efforts to reinforce the impact volunteers can have on residents’ well-being. Search the internet for studies that have shown volunteers’ efficacy in mitigating loneliness and improving the volunteers’ health.
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Conclusion
Having been immersed in long-term care volunteering for over 30 years, I am deeply passionate about overcoming hesitations and fostering meaningful connections in long-term care communities. I’ve been there, done that, and witnessed the outcomes. By addressing stereotypes, fears, and busy lifestyles and promoting education, flexible volunteering, and community involvement, we can bridge the gap and encourage people to become companions in long-term care communities. The key lies in fostering understanding, empathy, and a shared responsibility toward creating a more connected and compassionate society.
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How You Can Make an Impact:
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>>> Enroll in NALTCV’s “Volunteering in Long-Term Care”
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Become a part of our community of dedicated volunteers by enrolling in “Volunteering in Long-Term Care.” This online and interactive training allows you to interact with our trainers and other people enrolled in the training. It is not “…watch this video and take a quiz!” There are activities, short, interactive videos, and opportunities to exercise what you’ve learned. Equip yourself with the skills needed to establish genuine relationships and contribute positively to the well-being of the people living in the long-term care communities near you. Your commitment can be a beacon of hope for someone in need.
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>>> Share Your Story:
If you’re already involved in volunteering, share your story with us. Your firsthand experiences and reflections can inspire others to take the plunge and make a positive impact. Let your journey be a testament to the transformative power of authentic connections.
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>>> Spread the Word:
Help us challenge stereotypes and promote understanding by spreading the word. Share this blog on your social media platforms, community bulletin boards, and among friends and family. Let’s collectively raise awareness about the value of volunteering in nursing homes and encourage others to join the cause.
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>>> Nominate a Volunteer for Recognition:
If you know a dedicated long-term care volunteer making a difference, nominate them so NALTCV can celebrate their contributions and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Recognition not only honors the individual but also amplifies the impact of their efforts.
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Together, We Can Make a Difference!
You contribute to a more connected and compassionate society by acting today. Your involvement in the NALTCV initiatives helps combat loneliness, dispel fears, and create a supportive community for those in long-term care. Embrace the opportunity to be a beacon of change and make a lasting impact on the lives of nursing home residents.
Join us in fostering authentic relationships, breaking down barriers, and building a community that cares. Volunteer with NALTCV – because every connection matters!
Your comments and feedback are welcome!
