Recruitment and orientation of older volunteers in extended care.

Older volunteers can make miracles happen as they have more time than younger persons and staff to listen and to give patients and residents personal attention. Recruitment and orientation of older volunteers is the first step and must be ongoing, as turnover may be high. Orientation that focuses on the goals of the volunteer program and a few important concepts in relating to patients and residents may be all that is needed to get an older volunteer started.