Caring for loved ones, family style.

Volunteer

If you are looking for ways to reach out and touch someone's life, a great place to start is by volunteering at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation.

There are many wonderful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of some very special people.
Some residents do not receive visits from their family or friends and others are medically unable to leave their rooms.  The companionship of a volunteer is actually therapeutic and serves as a great intervention for the resident’s well-being and allows them to stay connected to the community.

volunteer application

Many volunteers have reported a feeling of satisfaction with the knowledge that they made someone’s day a little easier or a little brighter.  Providing one-on-one activities with a resident, such as reading or talking to them, or simply sitting quietly with them, improves their quality of life.

Older adults love to reminisce about “the good ole’ days”.  So, some volunteers sit and listen to residents talk about their past, their families, and interests.  There are 101 things to do while visiting a resident that would be greatly appreciated and enjoyed by them.

Our residents have so much knowledge to share if you take the time to listen, and, like anyone, they need regular interaction.  At Hughes, you can touch the heart of someone, and you will be surprised just how much it will touch your own.

We would be happy to hear from you if you are interested in volunteer opportunities at Hughes.  Please print and complete our volunteer application form and mail it to:

Debra Palmisano
Director of Recreation
Hughes Health & Rehabilitation
29 Highland Street
West Hartford, CT 06119

Thank you,

Debra Palmisano

Here are some ideas you can do during room visits with a resident:

  • Talk about old photos
  • Create a photo album or a one-page scrapbook
  • Write or tape an older adult’s autobiography
  • Share your own favorite stories and memories
  • Bring vacation photos, souvenirs, postcards or maps of your travels
  • Read newspapers and magazines to help resident keep in touch with events
  • Read religious or inspirational poems
  • Help resident write letters/cards to family members
  • Create a collage from old magazines
  • Discussion of seasons/upcoming holidays
  • Bring resident cup of tea/coffee and just sit together
  • Bring in instrument for a “private concert”
  • Sing familiar songs with resident
  • Listen to residents’ favorite music together
  • Work on a craft project together
  • Work on a knitting project together
  • Start a jigsaw puzzle together
  • Try a new artistic pastime together
  • Make simple gifts for residents’ grandchildren
  • Organize a sewing basket/tool box
  • Build a simple birdfeeder together
  • Keep track of favorite sports team ...make a friendly wager on next game
  • Pamper a resident with make-up/polish fingernails
  • Plant and take core of an indoor windowsill garden
  • Create a terrarium to enjoy with little care needed
  • Play word and/or trivia games
  • Play cards or board games
  • Do a crossword puzzle together
  • Keep up on soap operas that a resident loves
  • Watch a videotape of an old movie or musical
  • Catalog shopping and dream together
  • Talk about “secret” recipes or browse through a cookbook together
  • Make a “joy box” by filling it with residents’ favorite items
  • Write a poem or short story together
  • Start a small collection together
  • Give a hand massage with scented lotion
  • Challenge resident to a spelling bee
  • Play along with a game show
  • Bring travel books and dram about a fantasy vacation
  • Dream about what you both would do if you won a million dollars
  • Design and make your own holiday cards together
  • Sit and hold hands and lend a good listening ear