Volunteering with older people in a care home

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence that volunteering before medical school with older people in a care home has on the perceptions of older people. Design/methodology/approach Eight medical students answered an anonymous questionnaire relating to their experiences of volunteering in a care home before medical school. This was combined with an analysis of the relevant literature. Findings All the students had initially volunteered to enhance their CV for medical school. After volunteering, they had a greater realisation of the variety of older people. They also gained a number of transferable skills related to communicating with older people, especially those with cognitive impairment. The greatest learning experience was around the issues to do with dementia. Research limitations/implications The research is based on eight students although they were from different areas. Practical implications It would be beneficial if care homes could be more proactive in encouraging prospective medical students to volunteer. Medical schools could also provide clearer advice or take a more active stance such as encouraging prospective students to volunteer with older people. Further research should be with a larger sample to gain insight into varying perspectives. It would also be useful to conduct research into older adults’ attitudes towards the contribution of potential medical students to their own lives and to the home. Social implications Volunteering before medical school should be encouraged as it will enhance the chances of getting a place as well as being an eye opening experience and equip them with lifelong skills. Originality/value Original.

Effectiveness and sustainability of volunteering with older people living in care homes: A mixed methods systematic review

“…Details of individual studies are reported in Table 1. Fourteen quantitative or mixed methods studies evaluated the impact of volunteering (Baker et al., 2017; Caspar et al., 2019; Clarkson et al., 2007; Di Bona et al., 2019; Lee et al., 2007; Lokon et al., 2017; Low et al., 2015; McNair & Moore, 2010; Sauer et al., 2016; Seitz et al., 2016; Skropeta et al., 2014; van Zon et al., 2016; Westerhof et al., 2018; Xaverius & Mathews, 2004), and 22 reported questionnaire or qualitative data (Biggs & Knox, 2014; Bradley et al., 2000; Damianakis & Wagner, 2007; Filinson, 2003; Gundersen & Johannessen, 2018; Hill, 2016; Hunter et al., 2018; Jain et al., 2020; Kawamura et al., 2009; Keith, 2001; Keith & Schafer, 2002; Landau et al., 2013; Lokon et al., 2012; Ostwald et al., 2003; Persson, 2004; Santini et al., 2018; Schwalbach & Kiernan, 2002; Somers, 2018; Tanner & Brett, 2014; Tinker et al., 2017; Van der Ploeg et al., 2012, 2014). Overall the quality of studies is poor.…”

“…Nine papers discussed volunteer motivations for their involvement with care homes and care home residents (Damianakis & Wagner, 2007; Filinson, 2003; Gundersen & Johannessen, 2018; Keith, 2003; Lokon et al., 2012; Ostwald et al., 2003; Tanner & Brett, 2014; Tinker et al., 2017; Van der Ploeg et al., 2012). These included a desire to help others or “give something back” (Damianakis & Wagner, 2007; Gundersen & Johannessen, 2018; Keith, 2003; Ostwald et al., 2003; Tanner & Brett, 2014; Tinker et al., 2017; Van der Ploeg et al., 2012); providing the volunteer with a sense of purpose (Damianakis & Wagner, 2007; Filinson, 2003; Van der Ploeg et al., 2012); utilising personal and professional experiences (Damianakis & Wagner, 2007; Keith, 2003; Tanner & Brett, 2014; Van der Ploeg et al., 2012) and using volunteer opportunities to enhance career prospects (Lokon et al., 2012; Tanner & Brett, 2014; Tinker et al., 2017; Van der Ploeg et al., 2012).…”

“…Qualitative evidence suggested regular participation in intergenerational activities improved both residents and volunteers’ attitudes towards each other (Biggs & Knox, 2014; Bradley et al., 2000; Lokon et al., 2012; Santini et al., 2018; Schwalbach & Kiernan, 2002). However, volunteering in care homes, where residents were likely to have poor mental or physical health did not always mean volunteers developed more positive views of ageing or dementia (Schwalbach & Kiernan, 2002; Tinker et al., 2017; Van der Ploeg et al., 2014). Volunteers reported practical difficulties linked to working with residents with cognitive impairment and dementia, such as encouraging them to engage in activities.…”

Identification of alternative topics to diversify medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy student theses: a mixed method study

“…Also, Tinker et al (2017) investigated the influence that volunteering with older people in a care home has on the medical students’ perceptions of older people. They reported achieving a better understanding of older people and gaining transferable skills related to communicating with them, especially those with cognitive impairment [ 30 ].…”