COMMUNITY KINDNESS · FAMILY ACTION
Family Volunteering With Older Adults: Planning Respectful Intergenerational Visits
Intergenerational volunteering can be rewarding for both children and older adults, but thoughtful planning is essential. This guide walks families through respectful preparation, activity selection, safety considerations, and a simple cleanup/reset routine after a visit. It focuses on low-cost, meaningful interactions that honor older adults’ preferences and maintain dignity, with age-flexible options and clear statements about adult supervision and official-source boundaries.
1) Begin with Consent and Communication
Before scheduling a visit, contact the organization or older adult directly and ask about preferences, health considerations, and any visitor guidelines. Consent matters—ask whether residents want visitors and what activities are welcome. If working through a facility, request their visitor policies and any required background checks or training.
Low-cost step: Draft a short, respectful script for a phone call or email that includes your family's ages, the length of the proposed visit, and three activity ideas. Keep it concise and be prepared to adapt based on the older adult or facility’s response. Adult supervision is required for all communications that include personal or medical details.
Age-flexible option: Teens can make the call with an adult on speaker; younger children can create a simple 'hello' drawing to bring along, but never bring items without confirming they are allowed—some facilities restrict outside objects for health or safety reasons.
2) Choose Low-Cost, Respectful Activities
Select activities that prioritize conversation, shared enjoyment, and mobility levels. Examples include reading aloud, sharing short life stories, simple games like cards or dominoes, singing familiar songs, or helping with non-medical tasks such as folding linens under staff guidance. Avoid activities that require specialized equipment or physical strain.
Low-cost steps: 1) Prepare a small activity kit using items you already have: a deck of cards, a coloring pad, large-print crossword puzzles from the library, or printed family photos. 2) Keep the kit lightweight and easy to sanitize if required by the facility.
Age-flexible option: Younger children can participate by handing out cookies or calling out answers in a singalong under close adult supervision; older children may interview an older adult about their life (prepare three respectful questions in advance). Always follow facility rules about food, tools, and shared objects and obtain adult supervision for interactions that might involve sensitive topics.
3) Respect Boundaries, Health, and Privacy
Respecting personal boundaries is crucial. Always ask permission before touching someone's hand or taking a photo. If an older adult declines to answer a question, change the subject gently. Protect privacy by not discussing medical or financial details during visits.
Low-cost steps: 1) Role-play boundary-respecting phrases with children (examples: 'Would you like a hug?' or 'May I take your picture?'). 2) Bring hand sanitizer and remind children about quiet voices and gentle movements—ensure you follow any facility infection-control guidelines and that adults supervise compliance.
Age-flexible option: Teach older children to recognize nonverbal cues (turning away, short answers) as signs to give space. For activities involving music or stories, avoid content that may trigger distress; if an adult shows emotional intensity, pause the activity and seek guidance from facility staff or another trusted adult.