Activation And Respite Volunteer

Activation and Respite Voluinteer(Toronto or Peel Region)
Active Body, Active Mind
Promote the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of vulnerable seniors with dementia living at home;
relieve family caregivers. (Toronto and Peel Region)
Make a Difference in Your Community
Creating opportunities for more independence;
it’s what people in thecommunity rely on us for and what VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has offered for over 90 years. With over 3,000 health care professionals serving clients in seven Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) in the GTA, Important Company, Ottawa and Durham. VHA’s Client &
Family Centered Care community-based approach provides nursing, rehabilitation, personal support and home support services. Our caring, professional team offers spectacular care to Ontario seniors, families, adults and children living with disabilities or suffering from a chronic or terminal illness, helping them live life more independently, in comfort and with dignity.
Social isolation and loneliness are concerns that significantly impact the health and well-being of seniors, particularly those experiencing dementia. Social interaction has been shown to improve mood, enhance quality of life and avoid detrimental events such premature morbidity.
Active Body, Active Mind visiting support volunteers will play a key role in addressing social isolation and loneliness among seniors through social interaction and encouragement to engage in gentle activity when appropriate.
Volunteers will visit seniors at home and engage in meaningful conversation, and sometimes gentle, activities such as, interacting through games, cards and reading. Volunteer visits will support family caregivers by offering relief.
AREA SERVED:
Toronto:
Scarborough, Downtown, East York, North York, Etobicoke &
Peel Region
AGE REQUIREMENT:
Must be 18 years-old or older.
RESPONSIBILTIES
Visit senior client weekly - same day/time for 3 hours (Between 9am-7pm)
Engage in meaningful conversation with seniors, relieving caregivers temporarily
Engage in movement, and activities such as games, puzzles, cards when appropriate
Must be sensitive to clients with cognitive impairment;
hearing and vision needs;
clients are at high risk for falls
Focus on goals and needs of client within boundaries, policies and procedures
Complete and submit weekly log
TIME COMMITTMENT
3 hours plus travel time, and log time per week
Weekdays or Weekends, Flexible Schedule
Visits must be between 9am-7pm
Able to commit for minimum of 12 weeks;
longer if possible/desired
Volunteers can be assigned to more than one client concurrently or consecutively if desired
WORKING CONDITION
Volunteer role is independent, reporting to and supported by program coordinator.Visits occur in-home. PPE must be worn at all times;
volunteers must self-assess for COVID-19 prior to each assignment visit and must continue to self-monitor throughout the volunteer shift.
SKILL REQUIREMENT
Friendly and caring attitude
Experience and sensitivity working with culturally diverse individuals and families
Excellent Communication Skills - oral and listening skills
Previous volunteer experience an asset
Understanding of the aging process, impact of aging on the individual and family, an asset
Understanding of dementia and asset
Background in gerontology, social work, social services an asset
Related experience supporting older adults
Knowledge of community resources an asset
**BENEFITS**:
Volunteers are supported through orientation, training and on-going support
We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged, and rewarded
Opportunities to meet new people;
Support your community
Make a difference in seniors’ lives with needed supports
Gain valuable work experience to build your resume
Reference letter upon request following 100 hours of volunteer service
Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
Develop social and professional networks
BOUNDARIES:
No personal care given to client by volunteer
Volunteers do not move clients from bed or other positions or locations;
no clinical work to be done by volunteers
No visiting or contact of any kind outside of scheduled, weekly, onsite volunteer shift
No giving of items or food
Keep disclosure of personal information limited;
no social media engagement
Do not accept gifts from clients;
Do not give gifts
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
Orientation to the agency and volunteer program
Role orientation including active listening, various aspects of experience of social isolation, loneliness, aging
SCREENING AND SUPERVISION
Resume
Application form with 2 references
Interview
Criminal Reference check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
Signed Policies;
Waiver;
Release
Independent and group learning
Reports to Coordinator, Manager or designate on a regular basis
Coordinator will be available for feedback and support
For more information, contact
Dawn Ashford, BSW, CVA, Supervisor of Volunteer Services, 647-461-9485, (url removed)
If you require accommodation to participate in the screening process, please let us know.
About VHA Home HealthCare Since 1925, VHA Home HealthCare—a not-for-profit, charity—has empowered Ontarians to create possibilities for more independence. VHA’s team of over 2,000 support clients in throughout Ontario and are a founding member agency of United Way Toronto.