April is National Volunteer Month—a perfect time to ask yourself: When was the last time you gave your time to someone else’s joy or comfort?
If you're like many of us, the intention to volunteer is there, but everyday life has a way of pulling us in other directions. Between work, family, and never-ending to-do lists, it's easy to overlook the powerful impact we can have simply by showing up. Yet volunteering doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s about connection, compassion, and creating a ripple of goodness in someone else’s journey.
Volunteering does wonders for emotional wellbeing. And, there is science to back that up. The act of giving can actually stimulate the brain in positive ways. A study cited in National Institutes of Health, found that MRIs of the brains of individuals who had engaged in voluntary acts of giving lit up indicating more brain activity. Scientists attributed that brain activity to the “warm glow” an individual experiences when they donate to a good cause.
Here are a three key ways in which volunteering helps our brains and emotional wellbeing taken from Points of Light, a global non-profit agency that encourages individuals to volunteer in their local communities:
The act of volunteering and giving back is a win-win for residents and their communities.
We hear often how engaging in charitable acts can benefit those who serve more than those served. Many of our Anthem Memory Care residents can speak to that, having been active volunteers in their earlier lives. As a result, they have developed a passion to serve, a passion that even dementia can’t erase.
Giving back is a pure “win-win” opportunity for individuals with dementia that our communities recognize and celebrate. And it is why we look for opportunities for our residents and staff to volunteer their skills, talents, and time to benefit the greater community around them.
Below are just a few of our recent volunteer activities at Anthem Memory Care communities:
Pinnacle Place Memory Care in Little Rock, Arkansas held a special drive, gathering clothing and hygiene items to help those impacted by the California fires.
Residents of Churchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois fill Easter baskets for the Metropolitan Family Dupage to distribute to local children in need.
Willowbrook Place Memory Care residents from Littleton, Colorado visited the Lakewood Cat Care Society cat shelter to gift them their hand-crafted cat toys.
Chisholm Place Memory Care residents and staff traveled to their local Target in Wichita, Kansas to hand out rubber duckies, each with a handwritten inspirational message.
Vineyard Place Memory Care residents regularly help visiting students with their reading skills.
And local students love volunteering their time to help out at our communities. Here, local students help Chelsea Place Memory Care residents in Aurora, Colorado clear away winter debris to prepare the ground for spring planting.
When was the last time you volunteered? If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, you may be surprised to find out how adopting a good cause can connect them (and you) to a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your lives. Take some time to research the many volunteer opportunities in your community and select one or two that work for you.
Looking for a few suggestions? Reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and we would be happy to share some of our favorite causes or help you decide on one that will optimize the experience for you and your loved one.
(Our header image shows residents and staff of Franklin Place Memory Care helping to support the Milwaukee homeless population though donations of clothing and hygiene items.)