Smiltene care home seeks volunteers to talk with elderly residents
The Social Care Department of the Latvian Red Cross Smiltene Hospital is calling for volunteers, stressing that their main task is simply talking with seniors rather than providing care. The appeal follows a recent nationwide Open Doors Day at social care centers organized by the Ascendum association.
The Social Care and Social Rehabilitation Department of SIA "Latvian Red Cross Smiltene Hospital," commonly known as a care home, is still looking for new volunteers. The call comes after Latvia's first-ever nationwide Open Doors Day at social care centers, held on September 12 and organized by the Ascendum association as part of its "Conversations with Seniors" project. The Smiltene department took part in the event, though no new volunteers signed up that particular day.
The focus is conversation, not caregiving
Department head Anete Gendrjuka explains that many people misunderstand what volunteering involves, assuming they would need to perform caregiving tasks such as changing diapers for bedridden residents. In reality, such duties are handled by professional care staff, while volunteers' main contribution is simply spending time with residents — talking, playing board games, or putting together puzzles. Volunteers can choose a visiting schedule that suits them. The Ascendum association has published a volunteer handbook and guidelines for care centers on its website, and recommends volunteers be aged 21 and older.
Past experience with volunteers
The department currently has 62 residents, some of whom already experienced volunteer visits during an earlier Ascendum project involving eight volunteers who have since finished their involvement. Resident Ausma Ose recalled making mandalas and playing quiz-style games together, noting such activities are especially valuable for bedridden residents who cannot go outside on their own. Former volunteer Santa Sudraba, a photographer from Rauna, shared memories of karaoke evenings, watching films together, and craft activities, saying the experience prompted her to reflect on her own values. Social rehabilitation specialist Vita Rutka added that care staff, who may be responsible for more than 30 residents on a single floor, often lack time for longer conversations, making volunteers' role in residents' wellbeing especially valuable.
