Life Enrichment Volunteers needed in Lutheran Home’s Memory Care Unit

Lutheran Home’s Memory Care unit is seeking patient, cheerful, creative volunteers. We are looking for people who can devote a few hours each week to assist our Life Enrichment Coordinator with recreational activities for residents who have Alzheimer’s/Dementia. Volunteers will work alongside staff in small groups and one-on-one activities such as card games, handcrafts, singing, art activities, board games, walking, reading, gardening, etc. Volunteers are also needed to take these residents to Bingo on Monday & Friday afternoons, and to our in-house Chapel on Sunday mornings. Do you have a special interest you would like to share? Is there a unique themed event you’d like to help organize? The possibilities are endless, and the difference you will make is priceless!

If you are interested in this exciting volunteer opportunity, please contact Michelle Mittelsteadt at 258-6171, ext. 258.

Thoughts from a Lutheran Home Volunteer

“Last Thursday I wore shoes with no socks in the a.m. and in short order had 2 blisters on each foot.(This happened to my female high school students every spring when they couldn't wait to wear their new sandals on their virgin winter feet.) I went home at noon and did a thorough bandaging job, put on socks, changed shoes, and got through the afternoon with no pain at all. No problem is insurmountable, with a little faith, and sturdy Bandaids! I love being at the Lutheran Home - it is an incredibly loving environment. All that I give from my heart there is returned in equal part.”

Jamie, Lutheran Home Volunteer

With over 300 volunteers, Lutheran Home & Harwood Place are great places to volunteer.  We have an excellent reputation for compassionate care of older adults and their families.  Lutheran Home & Harwood Place provides a wide variety of services on two Wauwatosa campuses including retirement living, assisted living, rehabilitation services, specialized memory care assisted living, skilled nursing, adult day services, children’s center and hospice care.

Do you want to make a difference, learn new skills, meet new people, or gain useful experience?  Choosing to be a volunteer at LutheranLiving Services can be a very rewarding experience. 

The giving of your time, talent and skills can truly make a difference in the lives of our residents.  Whether it’s transporting a resident from one area to another, reviewing menus with residents, performing clerical duties, or visiting with our residents, you can be assured your time will be well spent.

Lutheran Home Volunteer Opportunities

Beauty Shop Volunteer – Going to the beauty shop is the highlight of our residents’ week. Our volunteers transport residents to and from the beauty shop and help with towel folding and other basic tasks.  Volunteers are needed on weekdays from 8:30 a.m – 11:30 a.m. It is preferred that volunteers make a commitment of one day per week, however, an on-call list is available for those unable to do so.

Bingo Volunteer – Help our residents enjoy one of their favorite pastimes. Transport residents to Bingo, assist residents in hearing the numbers or placing their chips, and return residents back to their rooms. Volunteers are needed on Mondays and Fridays from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Chapel Volunteer – Can you take one Sunday a month to enjoy a Chapel Service with our residents? Our volunteers transport residents to Lutheran Home Chapel, enjoy the service, and visit with the residents as you take them back to their floor. Volunteers are needed on Sundays from 9:15 – 11:15 a.m.  A great opportunity for a church group or a family wishing to volunteer.

Comfort Care Volunteer - Visit and support residents who may be in the last phase of their lives, offering emotional and spiritual support that is respectful of each individual’s religious practices and faith preferences. Comfort Care volunteers receive specialized training through the Chaplaincy Department that assists them in being with residents at end of life to provide a quiet, comforting, and prayerful presence that honors the wishes of residents and their families.

Community Partner – Do you have an interest or hobby you would like to share?  We are looking for volunteers who would like to start interest groups in our memory care unit for adults living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.  This unit offers a community based environment and a staff that will welcome and support your gift of time.

Courtyard Café Volunteer – If you have dreams of old-fashioned soda fountains with counter seating and friendly service, why not run our café one afternoon a week.  Volunteers serve ice cream to our residents and their families in our modern 50’s style café.  Volunteers are needed Monday and Friday from 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Doctor Appointment Escort – If you value flexibility, this opportunity is for you.  Help our residents feel safe and secure by escorting them to and from doctor appointments and hospital visits.  We provide the transportation and training. Medical knowledge is not required, just compassion for the resident and comforting skills. This is an on-call position, and you are usually given 3 days to a week’s notice of the appointment.

Early Bird Memory Loss Program Volunteer – This program helps people in the early stages of memory loss. Work with small groups leading games and memory exercises. Strong communication skills and friendly attitude required, along with a commitment to serving at least one day per week.

Ladies Auxiliary – A group of Christian women with 100 years of service to Lutheran Home. The Ladies Auxiliary raises money to support the needs of our residents. Annual events include the kickoff luncheon, Christmas coffee and an annual outing. Monthly meetings occur on the second Tuesday of the month.

Mail Volunteers – Help our residents receive their mail on a timely basis. Sort the mail by unit and floor, and then deliver mail to resident rooms.  Basic office skills a plus. Commitment to serving one day per week.

Nutritional Services Volunteer – Visit residents and serve an important purpose. Work with our dietary department to review daily menus with residents who have special dietary needs or preferences.  Training is provided to ensure you feel comfortable with your task. 

One to One Visitor – This is a very rewarding and flexible position.  Spend time reading to a resident, play a game, or just visit.  When weather permits, some residents enjoy a walk outside.  

Physical Therapy Volunteer - If you like to keep moving, this volunteer opportunity is for you!  Assist our in-house physical therapy department by transporting residents to and from their appointments. Meet and get to know rehab patients who are actively participating in their own recovery. Volunteers are needed on weekday mornings from 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and in the afternoons from 12:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. We also have openings on Saturday morning from 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Recreational Activities Volunteer – Come assist our Recreational Therapy Department in enriching the lives of our residents. We need volunteers to help assist with activities from bingo to pet therapy, exercise to concerts; there is always something in store. We also need volunteer assistance with our many trips. Festivals, fishing, boating, shopping, scenic rides, luncheons, museums and bowling are just a few of the exciting trips we plan for our residents. This opportunity is terrific for groups.  Individual volunteers are always welcome.

Sewing Room Merchandise Organizer – If you love clothing and enjoy working with the elderly, this volunteer opportunity is for you.  Volunteers are needed to aid in the process of sorting our donated apparel into sizes and styles, as well as folding and hanging clothing for display, arranging jewelry, helping to keep shop tidy, and other miscellaneous duties.  During store hours (Tues. and Thurs. from 1:00 p.m.-2 p.m.), greet and assist residents in their selection of clothing and jewelry.  Volunteer must be comfortable with and respectful of the elderly.  Organization skills are important.

(back to top)

Harwood Place Volunteer Opportunities

Bird Aviary Caretaker – Do you enjoy helping animals? The birds in our Aviary need to be fed and watered one to two times per week. Once per week the bottom of the cage will need the top layer of bedding scooped out. Occasional cleaning of the glass may be needed if soiled.  This position can be done on a rotation system with other volunteers.

Community Partner – Do you have an interest or hobby you would like to share? We are looking for volunteers who would like to start interest groups in our Assisted Living unit at Harwood Place. This unit offers a community based environment and a staff that will welcome and support your gift of time.

E-mail buddy – Do you have computer skills you’re willing to share?  Assist residents with the basics of Yahoo e-mail: setting up an e-mail address, sending and receiving e-mail, and creating an address book.

Gift Shop Volunteer – Friendly volunteers needed to assist with cashiering the Harwood Place Gift Shop Monday through Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Training will be provided.

One to One Visitor – A wonderful opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Provide personal one on one time with our Harwood Place Assisted Living residents. Talk, listen and share in each other’s interests. 

(back to top)

CLICK HERE to apply to become a volunteer!

Students wishing to volunteer should CLICK HERE.

Forms are pdf files. You can download Adobe Reader free if you do not have it.

Testimonials

I am very proud to be a member of the volunteers of Lutheran Home & Harwood Place.  My friends ask why I volunteer for a nursing home and I say, “Why Not”!
                                                                            Virginia Ruck

(back to top)

Contact

For additional information, please contact our Volunteer Director at 414-258-6171 ext. 258 or e-mail Michelle.Mittelsteadt@thelutheranhome.org. Michelle Mittelsteadt, Volunteer Director

Interested in Further Information?

Click here to submit our on-line information request form and we'll be sure to quickly provide you with whatever you need.

(back to top)