Raising Awareness for Companion Volunteers in Long-Term Care: A Time-Smart Approach

Welcome to Our Series

Hey everyone, I’m kicking off a special five-part journey together, designed just for you, the heart and soul behind our long-term care communities. Remember in my last article we dove into all the research about how vital companionship is for our older adults? For anyone for that matter. Well, now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and bring those ideas to life. You’re already doing so much, and I have some understanding of the challenges of adding one more thing to your plate. This series is here to arm you with simple, yet impactful ways to champion the cause of companion volunteers without overwhelming your already busy schedule.

Understanding Your World

You’re the unsung heroes, tirelessly working to enrich the lives of your residents every single day. From organizing activities to ensuring each person feels at home, your plate is full. Introducing companion volunteers into the mix is crucial, but we know it sounds like a tall order when your schedule is packed to the brim. That’s why we’re focusing on strategies that fit into your world, not the other way around.

Strategies I Like:

• Community Talks That Hit Home – (short, quick and to the point!)
  • Put together an engaging, 30-minute talk entitled “Companionship Counts: The Heartbeat of Our Community.” The session is designed to fit into the busy lives of activity professionals, volunteers, and community members, providing a quick yet powerful dive into the importance of companion volunteers in long-term care communities.
  • Reach out to local community centers, schools, and other volunteer organizations and schedule a session with them, on a date and time when they are normally together.
  • Have business cards/flyers on-hand – one page or half-page is even better, two-sided with your appeal and contact information.
  • Start with a 5-minute introduction to the concept of companion volunteering, highlighting key statistics about loneliness and isolation among older adults. Follow this with a 10-minute presentation from a current volunteer, sharing their personal story of connection and impact. Then, have a resident speak for another 5 minutes about their experience with a companion volunteer, illustrating the difference it has made in their life.
  • Take questions, listen for opportunities to encourage them!
  • Conclude each session with clear, simple instructions on how to get involved, whether it’s signing up for a volunteer orientation, visiting a website for more information, or scheduling a one-on-one chat with a volunteer coordinator. Have information packets ready to hand out, including FAQs, testimonies, and contact information.
  • Take pictures and post to social media. Talk up your visits. Not the time to be modest!
• Leverage Digital Magic! Social media and online platforms are your allies, not your enemy! A few well-placed posts or videos can reach hearts everywhere, all on a schedule that works for you.
  • Find your digital champion! – Not every volunteer wants to be a companion volunteer, some volunteers may want to stay in the background. Find that responsible tech savvy volunteer who will help you craft and launch a social media strategy that highlights the value of companion volunteers.
  • Find key messages – what do you want people to know? – Quick, informative posts that highlight statistics about loneliness among older adults and how companion volunteers make a difference. Use eye-catching graphics and clear, concise language.
  • Promote Events – Use social media to promote your “Companionship Counts” talks and other related events, creating buzz and encouraging attendance.
  • Use Relevant Hashtags – Is it #MondayMotivation or #ThursdayThoughts? Use the hashtags, (positive ones) that are trending. Tag partners, businesses and community groups.
• Simplify Volunteer Coordination – Start by setting up an online platform where potential volunteers can easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities. This platform should be user-friendly, accessible from various devices, and provide all the necessary information about the volunteering roles, including descriptions, requirements, and the impact their contribution will make.
  • Features to Include:
    • Detailed profiles – volunteers create profiles detailing their interests, skills, and availability.
    • Automatic scheduling – allow volunteers to see available time slots and sign up for shifts.
  • Streamline Communications – this could include:
    • Dedicated messaging system between volunteers and staff
    • Group chats or forums – spaces for volunteers to communicate with each other.
    • Regular updates – schedule automatic updates and newsletters to keep volunteers informed.
    • Include surveys – gather insights from your volunteers and use them to improve you program.
  • Grab-and-Go Resources – Take advantage of the materials and support from organizations like NALTCV. These resources are ready when you are, saving you the time and effort.
    • NALTCV develops and distributes resources, including training materials, program templates, and guides, to support the establishment and growth of volunteer programs in long-term care communities.
    • The organization provides a platform for volunteer coordinators, long-term care facilities, and volunteers to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives.
  • Storytelling on the Fly
    • Quick, heartfelt stories about the bonds between volunteers and residents can inspire and move others to action.
    • Share these stories in ways that fit into your busy day, like a brief moment in a staff meeting or a note in a newsletter.
  • Embrace Teamwork – This is key!
    • Invite your colleagues to join in on the volunteer program. Sharing the responsibilities can make everything run smoother and foster a team environment that supports your goals.
    • Conduct short training sessions on the value companion volunteers bring to your community.
    • Encourage staff and volunteers to collaborate on special activities or projects.
• Work to end the “us” and “them” culture. It’s all of “us” working together.

• Engage the Whole Community
  • Let’s get everyone involved. Encouraging families, local schools, and community groups to be part of this effort can create a strong network of support.

• Community-wide events are a fantastic way to highlight the importance of volunteering.

• Speak Their Language
  • Craft messages that resonate with different audiences.
    • For potential volunteers, highlight the personal rewards of giving their time.
    • For families, emphasize how their involvement can enhance their loved ones’ lives.
    • Tailoring your approach ensures your message hits home.
  • Listen, Adapt, and Grow – Gathering feedback from everyone involved is key to keeping your program vibrant and relevant.
    • Use surveys, suggestion boxes, and meetings to listen to what’s working and what needs tweaking.
    • Your openness to improvement will ensure your volunteer program continues to thrive.

In Closing

Reaching out and managing companion volunteers in long-term care communities is no small feat. It requires creativity, a collaborative spirit, and smart time management. By embracing these strategies, you can make a profound difference in the lives of older adults, ensuring they feel cherished, connected, and part of a vibrant community. Let’s work together to turn long-term care communities into places where companionship and volunteerism flourish.

Dr. Paul Falkowski, president/founder of the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers is a dedicated advocate for long-term care communities. He authored “Creating the Volun-Cheer Force,” and established the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers (NALTCV), aiming to empower, coordinate, spotlight, and research the impact of companion volunteers. Volunteer training and other resources are available online at https://NALTCV.org. Please feel free to reach to him at PFalkowski@NALTCV.org, and follow NALTCV on your favorite social media platform.