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Elderly Care Volunteer Abroad Programs

Elderly Care Volunteer Abroad Programs

Are you looking for opportunities to volunteer with elderly people abroad, or gain social work, healthcare or physiotherapy volunteer experience in elderly care homes and centres?

International Volunteer HQ’s affordable Elderly Care volunteer projects give you the opportunity to brighten the lives of local elderly people by providing companionship and care. In return, volunteers gain an authentic cultural experience and get to learn from the wisdom and events experienced by elderly people in a different country.

IVHQ offers impactful Elderly volunteering programs in South America, Central America and Africa.

  • Choose from 3 Elderly Care programs across 3 destinations worldwide
  • Suited to caring and patient volunteers - no previous experience required

  • Provide companionship, care and recreational activities to elderly people

  • Gain social work, healthcare and physical therapy experience overseas

See all Elderly Care projects
What to expect from volunteering with the elderly

What to expect from volunteering with the elderly

As an Elderly Care volunteer, you’ll assist with a range of duties within elderly care homes and centres. Volunteer work varies by location but can include recreational activities, feeding, physical therapy, as well as help with cleaning and maintaining facilities. You don’t need any qualifications or experience to participate in IVHQ’s Elderly Care volunteer projects.

In addition to the operational support, the friendship, cross-cultural sharing, and mental stimulation that international volunteers provide is invaluable in supporting the overall health and wellbeing of elderly people. It’s also what makes working with the elderly extremely rewarding and fun!

Wondering where to volunteer to help the elderly? Learn more about our volunteering opportunities available in the destinations below.

Best Elderly Care volunteer opportunities abroad

Why volunteer for the elderly?

Why volunteer for the elderly?

In many places around the world, the responsibility of looking after older people is often left to social services, as families cannot provide adequate support. Therefore, the contribution from IVHQers within volunteer elderly care homes is greatly appreciated.

Many of the elderly people that IVHQ volunteers work with have lived through a variety of experiences and events that are very different to our own. They have a lot of interesting stories and wisdom to share, which is an amazing way to learn about a different culture and even practice speaking a new language!

If you’re looking for healthcare, social work or physical therapy volunteer opportunities abroad, IVHQ’s Elderly Care projects welcome those studying these fields or looking to explore these career paths.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-Being

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-Being

Good mental and physical health is key to sustainable development and building healthy and happy communities. Now more than ever, we must increase access to free healthcare and health education across the globe to achieve an acceptable standard of living and wellbeing for all.

”My husband and I had a great volunteer experience at our Elderly Care placement in Livingstone. It was very challenging as these are individuals who don't have any family to care for them and have very little means. The staff and elderly people warmed up to us quickly and even though we learned a handful of Nyanja, communication was not an issue. We shared many laughs and a few tears. We will miss the smiles and characters and hope to return some day. Our advice would be to future volunteers to keep an open mind and your heart will be filled to the brim before you leave.”

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!