Home for the Elderly, Quito

Product Details

This is a vibrant, thriving home for 150 energetic, elderly people. These people have had tough lives on the streets of Quito. The centre however is full of energy, joy and laughter. Volunteers are needed to help care for the elderly by putting on activities such as art, music, yoga, teaching English, bingo, taking them for walks... There is masses of space in the colonial-style manor house.

Casa de Vida is extremely welcoming and is eager to have up to four Outreach volunteers. Most importantly you would be asked to offer care, attention, love and basic therapy to the residents. Most of them are fit and healthy and would thrive off the stimulation that young people could provide. Human interaction is important as many of the residents feel neglected and isolated. There is a project already established for making handicrafts, carpentry, painting and gardening which volunteers are needed to help with. Some of the elderly suffer from arthritis, back pains and lack of mobility. Volunteers are needed to assist qualified staff in treating these problems.

You would live in Quito with other Outreach volunteers . Food and laundry services would be provided. A command of Spanish is important as the workers and residents do not speak English. (They are however keen to learn). Like all Outreach volunteers you would attend an intensive two-week Spanish course in Quito prior to beginning the project. You should expect to have two full days off every week, but not necessarily at weekends.

This would be the ideal project for volunteers with an interest in community and social work or one of the medical professions. It would be very sociable and the project base is in a good location for travelling into central Quito where other volunteers are based. It is also in a good position for those wishing to escape from the city and explore the breathtaking national parks and surrounding countryside.