Citation

Ozminkowski RJ, Supiano KP, Campbell R. Activ. Adapt. Aging 1990; 15(3): 13-44.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v15n03_02

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Capable and committed volunteers in long-term care settings are in tremendous demand. However, the supply of these volunteers has been limited, perhaps in part because of pre-con- ceived notions that the returns from volunteerism would be minimal. This study describes efforts to ascertain the value of the volunteer experience. A survey was developed and administered to 55 volun- teers in a nursing home enrichment program to evaluate their train- ing and measure levels of satisfaction with the volunteer experience. Results from the survey are analyzed according to age of volunteers, prior experience in nursing homes, participation in volunteer train- ing and level of participation in the enrichment activities. Using a reliable and valid scale of volunteer satisfaction, very high levels of overall volunteer satisfaction were found. In addition, 95.5% of the volunteers would recommend the volunteer experience to others. The value of volunteer training is established, and volun- teer perceptions of the benefits of enrichment programs are docu- mented. Analytical results su est that trainin which simulates the nursing home environment an allows for dia ogue and feedback is beneficial. 9 P The results also show that satisfaction with the volunteer experi- ence can be attained rather quickly, with only moderate levels of program participation. Satisfaction level does not appear to depend upon age of the volunteer, but older volunteers are more likely to continue visiting nursing home residents after enrichment program- ming ends. Overall, the results suggest that pre-conceived notions of limited returns to volunteerism may be unfounded.