Volunteer, Respite

**Volunteer, Respite & Renew: Caregiver Support** (Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton)
- Promote the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of vulnerable seniors with dementia living at home; relieve family caregivers._

**Make a Difference in Your Community**

Founded in 1925, VHA is a not-for-profit, charitable organization made up of over 3,000 diverse professionals - nurses, personal support workers, rehab therapists, home support workers, extreme cleaners, and office support staff. Together, we provide high quality care, with great heart, to vulnerable populations in the communities we serve. This includes seniors, families, new parents, newborn babies, people with physical and mental disabilities, children with medically complex needs, and the terminally ill. We provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clients in their homes, in schools, in retirement homes and other locations in the community. In every role and at every level, we lead with purpose, build bonds that matter, and we’re passionate about providing spectacular care. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) believes that quality care begins with quality people. Our volunteers work directly with our clients and make a difference in people’s lives every day. We’re looking for volunteers who share and enhance VHA’s values.

**Role Description**: 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.

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 be matched with 1 senior and engage in meaningful conversations, and sometimes gentle activities such as interacting through games, cards and reading. Volunteer visits will support senior's caregiver by offering relief.

**AREA SERVED**: Toronto and Peel Region (Mississauga, Brampton)

**RESPONSIBILTIES**
- Visit senior client weekly - same day/time for 3 hours (9am-4pm)
- Volunteers support 1 client through the duration of their assignment.
- Engage in meaningful conversation with seniors, relieving caregivers
- Engage in 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 only
- Visits must be between 9am-4pm
- 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 continue to self-monitor throughout the volunteer shift.

**SKILL REQUIREMENT**
- Related experience supporting older adults
- Understanding of the aging process, impact of aging on individual/family
- Understanding of dementia
- Friendly and caring attitude
- Experience and sensitivity working with culturally diverse individuals/families
- Excellent Communication Skills - oral and listening skills
- Previous volunteer experience an asset
- Background in gerontology, social work, social services an asset
- Knowledge of community resources

**BENEFITS**
- 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-related 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 /care to be done by volunteers
- No visiting or contact of any kind outside of scheduled vists
- No giving of items or food
- Keep disclosure of personal information limited; no social media engagement
- No photos
- Do not accept gifts from clients; Do not give gifts
- Volunteer within role description, policies, procedures, boundaries

**ORIENTATION AND TRAINING**
- Orientation to the agency and volunteer program
- Role Training

**SCREENING AND SUPERVISION**
- Resume
- Application form with 2 references
- Interview
- Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Signed Policies; Waiver; Release
- Independent and group learning (online and in person)
- Reports to Coordinator, Supervisor or designate on a regular basis
- Coordinator or Supervisor will be