In Zambian culture, it’s common for elderly people to move in with their family or extended family when they are unable to care for themselves. Unfortunately, some senior citizens face abandonment if they have no family, or if their family is unable to provide for them. This can be due to financial issues or if the health needs of the elderly are beyond the family’s capability, and is sadly all too common.
Elderly care facilities help to provide care for people who struggle to find the help they need, and volunteers play an important role in helping these centers to provide their services. However, they can be badly under-resourced, and volunteers help is needed with all matter of general tasks such as caring for the elderly, serving meals, general maintenance, cleaning and gardening.
Your role will vary but it is important to note that you must be willing to work independently, and use your initiative. Many of the elderly people are ill or disabled, and the best care you can give is help with domestic chores and general companionship. The facilities are generally unstructured, but need support all the same.
This project is well suited to caring and compassionate volunteers who are interested in providing assistance wherever their help is most needed within a elderly care facility. As you’ll be volunteering under the guidance of local staff, you don’t need to have prior experience in caring for the elderly, though it is highly recommended.
Apply now