National Volunteer Month is celebrated in April, and people around the country are celebrating the selfless dedication of those who volunteer their time to better the lives of others. Volunteering not only helps the recipients of the volunteers’ efforts, it also benefits the volunteers themselves. For volunteers, they get to enjoy the enriching experience of giving one’s self to a cause outside of themselves, spending quality time with people they can learn from and increasing socialization: all things that lead to increased happiness. The senior living community is working to build a group of dedicated volunteers of all ages who will visit the seniors on regular basis for a variety of purposes. While the senior living community already has some committed volunteers, they are looking for more kindhearted people, as it takes a special type of person to open their heart and serve seniors. The senior living community offers several volunteer opportunities, including the implementation of cooking groups, art classes, fitness classes, special events, entertainment, holidays and parties, sponsorship of birthdays, gardening, or organization of supplies.
Laura Goughnour visits Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse twice a month with her children. Goughnour has five children, ages 12, 10, eight, five and two years old. Her children’s favorite activity to participate in with residents is baking, but they also enjoy crafting, reading to the residents, manicures and games. Goughnour believes volunteering with seniors gives children confidence and makes them feel better because they are giving back to the local community.
“Every time we come to Mustang Creek Estates the seniors are very excited to see us, and my children are thrilled to go visit them as well,” said Goughnour. “The residents are loving and full of gratitude. The relationships we have built with the seniors are extremely beneficial for my children because they teach them how to create connections with people from different generations.”
Ruth Wharton comes to Mustang Creek Estates every Tuesday to lead a bible study. She reads to residents living in both memory care and assisted living, and she leads engaging conversations. Wharton has been coming to the community for several months and always looks forward to spending time with the seniors. She is the author of a new book, The Valentine Symphony, and she is happy she can share her love for reading with the residents who are always happy to see her.
Lynn Ayik visits the seniors at Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse once a week with her furry friend, a dog named Baxey. During her visits, the seniors can interact with Baxey, which is something many of them find very therapeutic. Pet therapy has many health benefits including lowering blood pressure and reducing anxiety.
“It’s important to enhance the lives of each resident living in our thriving community, and we are seeking volunteers of all types and abilities to share their time, life’s work, hobbies, or skills with the residents in various ways,” said Sharon Flowers, executive director at Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse. “We would not have nearly the same impact without the help of volunteers, and we are thankful for all of the volunteers who already visit us. These individuals positively affect the lives of all the residents, and their efforts give them opportunities to keep growing and learning.”
If you are interested in learning more about how you can volunteer at Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse, please contact Rosanne Wilcox at 469-974-5517 or rosanne@mustangcreekestates.com.
Mustang Creek Estates – whose mission is to provide seniors with high-quality residential-style assisted living and memory care at an affordable price – has additional locations in Allen, Frisco, Burleson and Keller.