Many Americans volunteer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 60 million people volunteered between 2010 and 2011. Volunteering is great for your health and your community. Research suggests that individuals who are 60 years and older have the most to gain from volunteering. The Corporation for National and Community Service reports a strong correlation between volunteering among older adults and health. The report says: “those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer”.
Choosing an opportunity is an important step in the process of volunteering. Brainstorm with loved ones and identify the goals you’d like to accomplish in your volunteer experience. Do you want to work with adults or children? Would you like to do something indoors or outdoors? Are you interested in working with animals? In addition to your interests, determine the time frame you estimate works for your lifestyle. If you would like to volunteer only on holidays than your search will look different than if you want to volunteer on a weekly basis.
Before signing on to a volunteer opportunity consult with your friends and loved ones. People who care for you may have unique insights into the type of opportunity that is best for you. It is also important to consult with your doctor to determine the benefits and risks to your health, especially if the opportunity involves manual labor. For more information about volunteering Click Here
What makes Doolittle Home Different? True Life Care.
Life Care ensures care for the resident for life, regardless of changes in health or financial status. Residents do not turn over all their assets – they pay an up-front fee for life care based on expected costs of care for their life expectancy according to actuarial tables. That cost is offset by his/her monthly Social Security and/or any pension income to determine the cost of admission. Many residents sell their modest homes, pay their admission and still retain investments of their own. With the up-front fee, residents are guaranteed care for the remainder of their days regardless of changes in health.
Life Care provides full services in addition to room and meals for life. As health changes dictate, residents have access to the fully accredited Nursing Unit. There are no additional or incremental fees with Life Care. Changing medical needs are addressed by staff and licensed providers in a familiar setting.
Life Care provides the resident’s room, three meals per day plus snacks, medication management, nursing staff, activities, etc. If a resident requires a stay in the nursing unit, there is no additional charge. Life Care even provides a hairdresser on site each week because looking good helps residents feel good. Regardless of changes in health, care is provided for life.
Come see for yourself. Schedule a private tour by calling 508-543-2694 and ask for DeAnna Willis, Executive Director.
References
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.toc.htm