Recently, my partner and I have continued volunteering at The Madison Care Centre, and this week we became much more involved with the residents themselves. During our latest visit, we helped run and participate in a bingo game with several residents. Although it may seem like a small activity, it ended up being a very eye-opening and meaningful experience. I spent most of the game helping one resident who had suffered from a stroke and could not properly use one of her arms. Additionally, some residents struggled to hear the numbers being called or move their bingo cards around independently, so we assisted wherever we could.
One of the biggest successes I’ve had so far was being able to genuinely connect with the residents and help make the activity more enjoyable for them. In particular, the woman I was helping throughout bingo was incredibly kind and determined despite the physical difficulties she faced. Together, we eventually got a bingo, and afterward she decided to give me her prize. Although the prize itself was small, the gesture was extremely meaningful to me and made me realize how important simple acts of companionship and support can be. I also think another success was becoming more comfortable in the environment itself. During my first visit, I felt somewhat nervous because I had never been inside a care center before, but after spending more time there and interacting with residents, I feel much more confident and engaged.
The prize I very kindly received was a mini twix!
Both the woman I helped and I were so excited to win our first bingo!
At the same time, there were definitely challenges during this experience. One major challenge was communication. Some residents had difficulty hearing the bingo numbers being called, which sometimes caused confusion or frustration during the game. Another challenge was assisting residents with physical limitations. For example, the woman I worked with could not easily move her bingo markers because of her stroke, so I had to learn how to help without taking away her independence. At first, I worried about accidentally being too overbearing or making someone feel incapable. However, I learned that patience and communication were extremely important. Instead of simply doing everything myself, I would ask questions like, “Would you like help moving this one?” or repeat numbers more clearly when needed. I think this made the residents feel more respected and involved.
If I face similar challenges in the future, I think there are several ways I could continue improving. For example, I could speak louder and more clearly during activities, sit closer to residents who have trouble hearing, and pay closer attention to body language or signs that someone may need assistance. I also think becoming more familiar with accessibility and elderly care strategies could help me communicate more effectively in future volunteer experiences.
In fact, many organizations that work with seniors emphasize the importance of patience, active listening, and social interaction. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, maintaining social activities such as games and conversations can help seniors feel more connected and emotionally supported. Their resources also explain that volunteers should communicate clearly, remain patient, and encourage independence whenever possible, which relates closely to the experiences I encountered during bingo. Additionally, organizations like the Canadian Red Cross encourage volunteers to adapt activities for seniors with mobility or hearing challenges so everyone can still participate comfortably.
Moving forward, I hope to become even more involved at the care center and continue building relationships with residents. I would also like to participate in more activities beyond bingo because I think interacting with residents in different settings will help me grow more confident and understanding. Overall, this experience has already shifted my perspective on elderly care and volunteering. What originally felt unfamiliar has now become something I genuinely look forward to, and I hope that through future visits I can continue making even a small positive impact on the residents’ daily lives.
Sources:
Alzheimer Society of Canada. “Supporting People Living with Dementia.” Alzheimer Society of Canada, Alzheimer Society of Canada, accessed 21 May 2026.
Canadian Red Cross. “Friendly Visiting and Senior Support Services.” Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, accessed 21 May 2026.
My greetings to you. It has been so interesting to view your post and see how dedicated to help you are. Hard work also will make you progress with that spirit because it will take you far.