How to Get Volunteer Help for Seniors

There are many organizations across America that offer volunteer help for seniors! Whether you need help with snow removal, lawn mowing, or just someone to sit and visit with for a while, there are organizations that may be able to assist you.

Why Seniors Need Volunteer Help

Almost 1/3 of American seniors live alone, according to the US Census Bureau. Many of those seniors lack adequate support systems in their community. Some live far from family, others have limited social opportunities. Physical limitations can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

This is where volunteers step in. By offering their time and skills, volunteers can help seniors overcome these obstacles and live happier, safer lives. Whether it’s a friendly visit or a ride to an appointment, these volunteers can significantly improve the wellbeing of the seniors they serve.

Types of Volunteer Help Available

There are many different ways that volunteers can help seniors, including:

Companionship and socialization (in person visits, phone calls, social events)
Grocery shopping assistance
Home repairs (usually minor ones)
Housework (usually light housework)
Meal preparation
Technology support
Transportation
Yard work
and more!

The types of volunteer help that are available in your community will vary depending on where you live, how well funded your location organizations are, and how many people have volunteered to help in your area.

Organizations that Offer Volunteer Help

There are many organizations in communities all across the United States who help seniors. Here some of our favorites.

Area Agency on Aging

The first place you should reach out to you is your local Area Agency on Aging. These agencies exist in every community and are focused on helping people age safely in their own homes.

These agencies are an incredible resource. They can connect you with meal delivery programs, transportation services, in-home assistance, and more.

You can find your local AAA by visiting eldercare.acl.gov or calling 1-800-677-1116. Just let them know where you are and what you need, and they should be able to help you out.

Local Senior Centers

If you have a senior center near you, those can be great resources as well. While they can’t do everything for everyone, these places often offer supportive services that can help meet specific needs.

Social groups can help alleviate feelings of loneliness, and sometimes they even offer technology or skill-building classes for seniors. In many areas, your local library can even help you apply for assistance programs like SNAP or LIHEAP.

AARP

AARP is a well-known organization that serves seniors across America. They are perhaps best known for their AARP Tax Aide program that offers free tax help.

They also have a Community Connections program that can help seniors connect with volunteers and services in their communities. The goal of this program is to help seniors maintain their independence and combat social isolation. Reach out to them if you need help or referrals to volunteer programs in your area!

Americorp Seniors

Programs like AmeriCorps Seniors match volunteers with people who need companionship or help with everyday tasks in their homes.

It’s not entirely clear how you get matched with them, but I’d bet that your Area Agency on Aging might be able to tell you more about that or at least help you figure out the options in your area.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a volunteer organization that delivers meals to seniors who are homebound or unable to safely prepare their own meals. These dedicated volunteers will deliver meals right to your door.

They also provide safety checks and other essential services for their clients. In some areas, Meals on Wheels can help coordinate minor home repairs and even deliver pet food.

Faith-Based Organizations

Faith-based organizations are another incredible resource that a lot of people tend to overlook these days. Even if you’re not religious, many churches, mosques, and synagogues offer community services like food assistance, transportation, or friendship programs that can offer companionship and support.

I know my Church community has structured programs that encourage people to visit with, uplift and serve one another. That’s been a tremendous resource for a lot of the people in our community who have struggled with loneliness or who need help with specific services, like cutting firewood or getting meals brought in after a health challenge. I know not everyone is religious, but I have found that my faith community has been a tremendous resource for me in times of struggle.

Medicaid Transportation

If you need help getting to medical appointments and you qualify for Medicaid, you may be entitled to help with transportation. Medicaid can help coordinate rides for people who need assistance getting to their appointments.

Friendship Line

Another fantastic example is the Institute on Aging Friendship Line, a free, confidential phone line for older adults who need someone to talk to. Whether you’re feeling lonely, need some emotional support, or just want to chat with a friendly voice, they’re there to listen. You can reach these volunteers at 1-800-971-0016.

More Volunteer Help for Seniors

Of course, there are other local volunteer programs as well that may be able to assist you. These often offer practical support like lawnmowing, shoveling snow, or completing other specific tasks.

I Want to Mow Your Lawn

There are also programs that can help with lawnmowing. The nationwide nonprofit I Want to Mow Your Lawn helps seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who need help. They may even be able to help reduce fines for people who have gotten into trouble because they couldn’t afford landscaping.

You can visit their website at iwanttomowyourlawn.com for more information.

Snow Buddies / Snow Angels

Many communities that live in areas with heavy snow have a program called Snow Angels or Snow Buddies. These programs send volunteers to help shovel snow for seniors or people with disabilities who can’t do it on your own.

The snow programs are often organized by local nonprofits, scouting troops, or town governments. You’ll have to reach out or do a search to see what’s available in your area.

Relief Recap

If you’re a senior who needs help, these organizations may be able to help you. They are dedicated to offering volunteer help for seniors who need a little extra support, so reach out to them right away.

Of course, for extra financial support and other resources, don’t forget to check out the other articles on our website as well.