5 places to volunteer with the elderly in Birmingham, AL

It’s a fact: volunteering is good for you and good for others. Plus it gives good back to our community right here in Birmingham. There are hundreds of local nonprofits, centers, and more that do wonderful work in our city.

If you love spending time with the elderly, here are 5 places to check out!

Why Volunteer in the First Place?

I get it. We all live busy lives packed with responsibilities and obligations. However, carving out time in those full calendars to volunteer can improve your physical health as much as your mental health.

According to Harvard Medical School, volunteering can lead to lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan, in addition to warding off loneliness and depression.

1. Regency Retirement Village

Regency Retirement Village is a senior living community that is always looking for volunteers of all ages. Volunteers serve in a variety of capacities, and they welcome both individuals and groups or organizations.

• Address: 285 W Oxmoor Rd
• Contact them: (205) 942-3355

2. CJFS CARES

CJFS CARES serves families affected by memory or movement disorders such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s or stroke. CARES provides cognitive, physical and social stimulation for participants while giving caregivers a much-needed break.

CARES is a time of laughter, friendship and belonging for participants and volunteers alike.

Program activities include the following: Music and Pet Therapy, Chair Exercise, Arts and Crafts, Intergenerational Activities, and Service Projects.

• Address: 3940 Montclair Road, Suite 205
• Contact them: lise@cjfsbham.org or (205) 879-3438
• Read more about volunteering with CARES

3. Senior Medicare Patrol

As a grass-roots program, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) depends on trained volunteers going out into the community to inform and educate seniors about identity theft and the types of ploys used to defraud the Medicare system and its rightful beneficiaries.

SMP projects match a volunteer’s skills and interests to the needs of the program. As a result, SMP volunteers may serve Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers in many creative ways.

• Address: SMP is a national effort that trains volunteers all over the country! It’s supported by the United Way AAA of Jefferson County.
• Contact them: (1 800) 243-5463 or volunteer@uwca.org
• Read testimonials from SMP volunteers

4. Kindred Hospice

Kindred Hospice volunteers are an essential part of providing support, and the process is mutually rewarding and beneficial for both volunteer and recipient.

Volunteers are carefully vetted and undergo comprehensive training to learn about the hospice philosophy and how to best contribute to care. 

Hospice volunteers primarily provide companionship, but they may also be licensed to provide beauty or barber services, handyman work, light household work, errands, music or pet therapy, etc.

• Address: 2000 Southbridge Pkwy #150
• Contact them: (205) 870-4340
• Read more about volunteering with Kindred Hospice and download the volunteer form

5. Meals on Wheels

Meals On Wheels depends on a network of faithful volunteers who help coordinate and deliver hundreds of meals each weekday to homebound seniors in Jefferson County.

Volunteers are needed to deliver hot noontime meals to homebound seniors in various areas of Jefferson County between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Address: 3600 8th Avenue South
• Contact them: (205) 592-0413
• Check out their Frequently Asked Questions

Bonus: If you take this survey about Meals on Wheels by November 17, you could win some awesome prizes!

These are only a few of the organizations doing important work in Birmingham! Let us know of other opportunities on social @BhamNow