In children’s lives, there are moments that can turn their world upside down. When a child is diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, the support of friends and family may not be enough. That’s where volunteer organizations and charitable foundations come in. Volunteering your time at a children’s cancer nursing home will give you the opportunity to meet these kids as well as their parents, extending a hand when they need it most. There are many ways you can offer assistance to a child in need by volunteering your services at a children’s cancer nursing home. Check out the details below on how you can get started today!
What is a Children’s Cancer Nursing Home?
A children’s cancer nursing home is a rehabilitation center that provides specialized care to children with cancer and other serious illnesses. Like other types of nursing homes, children’s cancer nursing homes provide round-the-clock medical attention as well as therapy and other treatments to help these kids regain strength and health. Cancer nursing homes accept patients who are too young to be treated at a traditional medical facility as well as children whose illnesses are too advanced for outpatient care. Cancer nursing homes provide a safe, stable environment where children can receive the treatment they need while being comforted by the presence of other sick kids.
Serve as a Educational Mentor
Cancer can put a dent in a child’s education, especially for those living in children’s cancer nursing homes. At these facilities, kids are often too sick to attend school and may be too young for online education. In this scenario, educational mentors step in to bridge the gap. Working with a tutor, you can help teach children with a specific diagnosis or grade level. You can also tutor other children who just want to keep up with their studies or otherwise improve their academic performance. You can even mentor teens who want to improve their SAT scores or prepare for college entrance exams. With a tutor and a few hours of your time each week, you can help ensure that kids receive a proper education while receiving cancer treatment.
Help With Food and Nutrition
At a children’s cancer nursing home, kids rely on a specialized diet and nutrition plan to get the proper nutrients their bodies need to heal. As a food and nutrition volunteer, you can help ensure that children are eating the right foods while staying happy and healthy. You can prepare and serve meals, organize meal times, and educate other volunteers and staff members on proper nutrition. You can also visit patients in their rooms to make sure they’re eating the right foods and receiving the proper nutrition. In this role, you can make a big difference in the lives of children who may not be able to do so on their own.
Help with Companionship and Comfort
At a children’s cancer nursing home, patients may be feeling stressed, worried, and anxious about their health. Many of these children are also separated from their friends and families by hundreds of miles due to their health conditions. As a companionship and comfort volunteer, you can help provide emotional support and a friendly ear to kids who need it most. You can spend time with patients in their rooms and on the center’s grounds, offering a comforting presence and an open ear to listen to whatever they need to get off their chests. You can also offer assistance to parents who may be feeling stressed or anxious due to their child’s health. Whatever your role, you can help give patients a sense of peace and comfort during a difficult time in their lives.
