Loneliness and social isolation remain critical challenges in long-term care, yet volunteers are an often-overlooked solution to this crisis. This session will explore how mobilizing a volunteer movement can transform care communities by fostering authentic relationships that enhance well-being, promote person-directed care, and create a culture of connection. Attendees will learn how to recruit, train, and sustain a volunteer network that aligns with their organization’s mission while ensuring that every person in long-term care has someone just for them.
A key focus will be on engaging older adults living in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) as an untapped resource for volunteerism. These individuals bring life experience, empathy, and a unique understanding of aging, making them ideal companions for those in higher levels of care. By integrating CCRC residents into volunteer programs, communities can create stronger intergenerational bonds, enhance peer support, and foster a more connected, relationship-driven culture. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, this session will empower attendees to take the next steps in building a sustainable volunteer program that drives culture change and strengthens community engagement.
The live showing of this program has been approved for Continuing Education for 1.0 total participant hours by NAB/NCERS—Approval #20260722-1-A113037-DL
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