Whether you are in high school or college, it may help you to do volunteer work with the elderly. This can be especially helpful if you are not sure you want to work with the elderly. By volunteering, you'll see how certain organizations operate and get a better understanding of the elderly. Nursing homes are a wonderful place to volunteer as some of the residents do not have family or their families don't visit. Also, you'll be introduced to many different personality types as well as dementing illnesses such as Alzheimer's.
I volunteered at 2 organizations during my college years. One agency was a visiting service where I visited theelderly in their home and help with any errands they may have. The second place I volunteered was in a nursing home. Because of the nursing home, I decided that I wanted to work with Alzheimer's. So, when it came time for my internship (I was in the social work program) I chose to do my work with Alzheimer's.
You may need to volunteer in a few places before you decide what area you would like to get in to. And, that is okay. You shouldn't make any quick decisions. Take your time and find out what means the most to you.
There are so many fields you can go into... to name a few: Social work, Psychology, Health. I chose social work because my interest was in assisting caregivers with finding them services in the community that will help them and their loved ones. I gained a special interest in Alzheimer's. So, you may go into one thing, but then it leads to another. If you really aren't sure what area you might like, ask yourself a few questions:
What do I like to do?
If you like to be active, you may want to become an activities director in a nursing home. If you are creative, you may wish to work in an adult day care where crafts are done. If you are into health and fitness, you may like to become a dietician for the elderly.
Go To Page: 1 2
