Volunteers have traditionally been the impetus for many of the programs offered through Social Work and Community Programs. Training is provided. Current volunteer opportunities are:
Advance Directives Peer Volunteer: These volunteers receive training to provide guidance to older adults and their families in completing durable power of attorney for medical decisions and living will documents.
Advisory Committee Members: Volunteers meet periodically with staff in each of the Social Work and Community Programs to provide feedback on patient/service experiences and to offer insight and suggestions for future activities and services; some volunteers assist with fundraising and development.
Connected Companions: Volunteers visit older persons virtually through one-on-one phone calls for about one hour every week or two. Supervision is given by the program coordinator with opportunities for training and connection to other friendly visitor volunteers. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for someone who would like to make a huge difference in the lives of others and can be done almost 100% remotely.
Hospital Elder Life Program: Volunteers are trained to work with older patients at University Hospital, assisting them with eating, recreation, relaxation and mobility, to prevent delirium and de-conditioning during the hospital stay.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute: Opportunities include participation in program planning or fundraising committees, teaching, assistance with marketing and publicity, or office support.
Silver Club Memory Programs: Volunteers assist in the program activities at Silver Club, an adult day program for seniors with memory loss, or with the early stage programs.
Special Events: Volunteers help plan and/or conduct special events or presentations that would be sponsored by Social Work and Community Programs, such as health talks, flu clinics, jewelry sales and holiday events.
Turner Senior Resource Center: Volunteers are needed to serve as front desk staff and greeters; computer trainers and mentors; program assistants; older adult resource and information specialists; TSRC Advisory Committee members; and members of the Art Gallery 55+ committee and other ad hoc committees.
Volunteers will register with the University of Michigan Health System’s volunteer services department. To inquire about volunteering, contact:
- Connected Companions - (734) 998-9353
- Geriatrics Center Clinics Social Work Office - (734) 764-2556
- Hospital Elder Life Program - (734) 936-5964
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at U-M - (734) 998-9357
- Silver Club Memory Programs - (734) 998-9349
- Turner Senior Resource Center (TSRC) - (734) 998-9354