Connect and engage through volunteerism
One of the wonderful parts of life is that it gifts each person with an array of abilities, knowledge and experiences. You can keep those parts of you fresh and sharp by volunteering your time and talents right in your own community.
“There are so many volunteer opportunities right here at Bluestem Communities that are a wonderful way for independent living residents to connect more widely to the whole of campus in assisted living and health care,” said Sheri Esau, Bluestem Communities Community Outreach Coordinator.
Volunteering after retirement can offer a number of benefits, both for the individual and for the community, including staying active and engaged, and building social connections.
Larry and Janet Dixon, independent living residents at Kidron Bethel Village, are well known on campus for their volunteer activities.
Several times a week, Larry traverses the halls of the main Kidron Bethel Village building, spending time visiting one-on-one with assisted living and health care residents, or stepping in wherever a hand is needed during more organized group activities. Larry’s work is done in conjunction with chaplain Dawn Yoder Harms, offering visits to residents who could benefit from the personalized connection, and knowing there is power in relating with other people.
“I like to be with people,” said Larry. “When I was in eighth grade, I spent the summer driving a tractor. I was so lonely. The tractor didn’t talk to me. For the next summer I took a job in a Chevrolet agency and was much happier learning to know people in the community.”
Meanwhile, Janet serves the Kidron Bethel Village community by covering the Welcome Center desk one day per week during the Welcome Center Manager’s lunch break. She also puts her professional skills as an English as a Second Language teacher to work in the wider community by teaching English to Ukrainian families who have moved to the area.
Both Larry and Janet recognize their need for connection with others, and have been avid volunteers, both during their working years and now in retirement.
“Volunteering keeps me in touch with people and broadens my horizons,” said Janet. “I didn’t want to retire and spend my time sitting in the rocking chair. I’m a people person and like to be out among them.”
Through their volunteer work, the Dixons have built relationships with residents and staff members at other care levels, giving them a knowledge and understanding of what they themselves may experience as residents someday. Having that kind of first-hand glimpse into assisted living and health care can alleviate some of the trepidation and unease around the unknown that can accompany thoughts of living in other care levels.
For Linda White, an independent living resident at Schowalter Villa, volunteering has helped her stay connected to things that she loves, such as baking and spending time with people.
White began volunteering her time in assisted living in 2012 when she and her late husband, Frank, began serving root beer floats to residents a couple of times a month. More than 12 years later, White continues that tradition, now with her cousin Elva Sommerfeld, who also lives in Schowalter Villa independent living.
An avid baker, White also decided a few years ago to continue building connections in assisted living through leading a baking class once a month.
“There are a lot of ladies in assisted living who also love baking, so this has been a fun way for us to connect over that shared interest and allow them to continue experiencing that,” said White, who worked for 40 years as a psychiatric nurse. “Sometimes, some of the men join us as well, and even if they haven’t done it much, they have fun with it. I love hearing their stories and memories.”
As the Dixons and White understand well, volunteering is an enriching way for retirees to remain active, engaged and fulfilled in their post-career years, and helps to prepare them for care transitions later down the line.
If you are interested in volunteering at Kidron Bethel Village or Schowalter Villa, contact Sheri Esau, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 316-836-4821 or SheriE@bluestemks.org.