Volunteer with Hebrew SeniorLife

Make a difference in the lives of the seniors we serve.

Young woman kneels down to talk to an older woman at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center

You Can Make a Difference

At Hebrew SeniorLife we are committed to transforming the experience of aging for the seniors we serve. Our life-enhancing programs depend on volunteers and their generous donation of time; making real differences in older adults' lives.

We welcome all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, individually and in groups. We're happy to work with you to find the right fit for your interests, talents, and schedule.

Volunteers play a critical role in all our communities, whether it’s at our five senior living communities in Greater Boston or at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, our Harvard Medical School-affiliated long-term chronic care hospital with locations in Boston and at NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham.

Volunteer Activities

Volunteers work with older adults with all different levels of independence and needs, including active independent living residents and more frail patients in our long-term chronic care hospital. You’ll be provided with training and support from our team to make sure your experience is rewarding.

We can work creatively to match your skills and interests with the needs of our communities. Some of the roles our volunteers enjoy include:

Providing face-to-face tech support, helping residents learn to use devices that keep them connected with friends and family
Visiting one-on-one with patients - you can play games, do art projects, listen to music, walk outside, or just sit quietly together
Providing support for the occupational and expressive therapy teams
Lead or assist with small group activities, including music, art, reading stories aloud, and holiday celebrations
Work individually with patients during mealtimes to assist with feeding
Support resident services teams at senior living communities
Virtual roles are available, such as preparing supplies for holiday celebrations or visiting with patients or residents via Zoom.

How to Start Volunteering

The best way to explore volunteer opportunities at Hebrew SeniorLife is by filling out an application. This doesn’t obligate you to volunteer, it just gives us a little more information about your interests so we can start the conversation and find the right opportunity for you. Once you’ve completed the online application, a member of our Volunteer, Youth, and Community Engagement team will be in touch with you.

Please note that volunteers are required to be vaccinated (including against the flu and COVID-19), and will undergo mandatory background checks.

Apply Now

Do you still have questions? We’d love to talk with you! Contact us today.

Other Opportunities to Volunteer

A school-age girl and a senior living resident enjoy their time participating in an intergenerational program.

Building Relationships Across Generations

Participate in Intergenerational Programming

Hebrew SeniorLife unites generations, bringing together senior residents, patients, and students from the community to forge impactful, meaningful relationships. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering virtual intergenerational opportunities for individuals and groups.

Learn More About the Program

A chaplain puts comforting hand on a patient’s shoulder

There When You’re Needed Most

Become a Hospice Volunteer in the Boston Area

Volunteering with patients and families at the end of life is among the most meaningful and rewarding work you can do. Hospice volunteers visit with patients in their homes, providing company, social interaction, and respite for caregivers. Training is provided.

Learn About Becoming a Hospice Volunteer

Internships in Senior Care

A student walks with a senior in a glass halfway at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston. Hebrew SeniorLife offers internships and clinical training opportunities for students looking to work with older adults.

Harvard Medical School-Affiliated Training

Internships and Clinical Training at Hebrew SeniorLife

If you’re enrolled in an academic program and are looking for an internship for credit or a clinical rotation, we offer a number of options. We provide expert geriatric education to tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other health professionals, along with internships and co-ops in administrative departments.

Opportunities for Students

"I started volunteering as a way to honor my grandmother, who I used to visit when she was a resident. Residents seem to recognize me as someone from “outside,” which helps break the ice and create lasting friendships. For me, volunteering at NewBridge provides an important balance to my career. It’s good for the soul."

Jay Gordon
"The volunteer engagement team is very supportive; always willing to help, answering all my questions, and making sure I’m doing ok. I enjoy meeting patients from all around the World—Europe, Latin America, Asia—and hearing all their stories. The rewarding part for me is seeing smiles on people's faces and the gratification of seeing a change in a residents’ sundowning behavior when we engage in music together."

Weronika “Wera” Rozwadowska
"Volunteering at HSL has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life, each with their own stories. The residents and staff are always willing to lend an ear when needed and give heartfelt advice from their own experiences. My weekly walks with the senior residents provide welcome time away from my hectic academic schedule. I would recommend volunteering at HSL to those who enjoy working with the elderly and are looking for a fulfilling volunteering experience."

Jude A.