Volunteering with older people in a care home. Issue 4 (4th September 2017) - Tinker, Anthea
Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence that volunteering before medical school with older people in a care home has on the perceptions of older people. Design/methodology/approach: Eight medical students answered an anonymous questionnaire relating to their experiences of volunteering in a care home before medical school. This was combined with an analysis of the relevant literature. Findings: All the students had initially volunteered to enhance their CV for medical school. After volunteering, they had a greater realisation of the variety of older people. They also gained a number of transferable skills related to communicating with older people, especially those with cognitive impairment. The greatest learning experience was around the issues to do with dementia. Research limitations/implications: The research is based on eight students although they were from different areas. Practical implications: It would be beneficial if care homes could be more proactive in encouraging prospective medical students to volunteer. Medical schools could also provide clearer advice or take a more active stance such as encouraging prospective students to volunteer with older people. Further research should be with a larger sample to gain insight into varying perspectives. It would also be useful to conduct research into older adults' attitudes towards the contribution of potential medical students to their own lives and to the home. Social implications: Volunteering before medical school should be encouraged as it will enhance the chances of getting a place as well as being an eye opening experience and equip them with lifelong skills. Originality/value: Original.