Tips for Volunteering with Seniors with Disabilities

As a GG volunteer, you bring smiles to seniors.😃

Did you know that 2 in 5 seniors have a disability?*

Always lead with compassion.

When engaging with seniors with disabilities:

• Use nonverbal cues to judge a situation

• Ask politely if you can be of assistance

• Be accommodating for the different types of disabilities
  

If a senior has limited vision:

• Sit face to face

• Clear any obstacles that may cause the senior to trip (e.g. cords or bags on the floor)
  

If a senior has impaired hearing:

• Maintain eye-contact

• Speak slowly and clearly

• Use short words and simple sentences

• Repeat key points in different ways
  

If a senior has a loss in memory function:

• Be patient and courteous

• Never bring attention to memory lapse

• Never argue with the senior

• Ask general, open-ended questions to let the conversation flow 

Here are more specific tips on interacting with seniors with Dementia and Alzheimers. 

Journal about your senior home experiences. We believe reflection is a key to real change in our lives - so go for it!  Share about your latest experience.

*(CDC, 2016)