Volunteer role

Medical volunteers will assist the doctor in activities such as: compiling medical histories, taking blood pressure, small surgeries, administering basic nutritional advice, healthcare, and rehabilitation for clients, depending on the volunteer’s knowledge and level of Spanish.

There are organized visits every month to senior homes as part of an effort to develop the “Adopt an Ecuadorian Grandmother or Grandfather” program. These visits give a better understanding of senior life conditions.

There are numerous ways that you can provide support at the centre and although senior visitors live quite tough lives, they are still full of life, laughter and energy. The centre therefore organises a variety of fun and sociable activities ranging from board games and bingo to music, art lessons and dancing.

This is a very unique and rewarding project since very few outreach programs in Ecuador target the needs of the elderly – the majority tend to focus on the needs of children. Therefore, by joining this project, you will not only gain a valuable insight into Ecuadorian culture, you will be providing much needed volunteer support for an often “forgotten” generation of Ecuadorian society.

Daily schedule
As far as the elderly are concerned, the center opens first thing in the morning for a free breakfast and finishes after the free lunch. As a volunteer your key hours will therefore be in the morning, but you can also opt to help in the afternoon with the general administration of the project, or you may choose to use the afternoon to attend Spanish lessons or simply spend time relaxing and exploring the city.

• 7:30 Breakfast at homestay or student residence.
• 8:00 The day starts with exercice class for seniors who visit the center daily.
• 8:45 Free breakfast is served for the elder people.
• 9:15 Lessons on different areas to keep grandfathers and grandmothers occupied are offered: painting, drawing, music class, theater, yoga lessons, ocupational therapy, etc.
  
  While the above activities take place the medical department will check the patients, approximately 50 each morning, and you will be asked to assist with various medical duties.

Working hours:Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (approximately 8:30 – 3:00pm).  Due to budget situation the foundation does not work on Tuesdays.
Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change, according to time of the year, and to the Elder Foundation needs.