Volunteer Caregivers Feel Satisfaction and Purpose Helping Others; November is National Caregivers Month
November is National Family Caregiver’s month—a time dedicated to recognizing all the hard work and support that family caregivers offer to their friends and loved ones. Caregiving can be difficult, and caregivers often need a much-deserved break. Even just a few hours alone can make a big difference.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is seeking Caregiver Support & Respite Volunteers to provide family caregivers this much-needed break to relax, re-charge, practice self-care and reduce isolation.
Volunteers also offer older adults more opportunities to maintain social connections, an important aspect of healthy aging that can become difficult as people experience dementia or mobility limitations.
Helen Kellerman understands the importance of volunteering and the positive impact it can have on the older adults she supports, but it also impacts her too.
“It enriches my life,” she added. “Volunteering gives me purpose and the satisfaction of helping others.”
People who care for loved ones rely on local volunteers like Kellerman to provide this life-changing support.
LSS Caregiver Support & Respite Volunteers visit older adults as their homes and in the community for a few hours each week. Volunteers share their skills, meet new people and have fun! They are also matched with someone who shares their interests.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota provides volunteers with training and requires no prior experience. To qualify, volunteers must be at least 18 years old, with availability each week and a reliable transportation. They also must pass a background check.
The statewide organization serves all Minnesotans and welcomes volunteers from different faiths, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and stages in life to inquire. To learn more or to get started, please contact Program Director Tara Giese at 866.787.9802, tara.giese@lssmn.org or visit lssmn.org/caregiver. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota also offers additional support for family caregivers. To view all the Caregiver Support & Respite Service offerings, visit lssmn.org/caregiversupport.