Memory Visiting Volunteer
(Acclaim Health, Community Support Services)
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| Opportunity Details | |||
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| Comments | Spend just one hour a week - to chat over coffee, work on a painting or craft, go for a walk or play a game - that's all it takes. One visit a week can bring a lonely Senior a huge sense of worth and happiness. Seniors who are isolated, often find their recall of daily details frosted over. A little social contact can melt that ice and bring warmth to you and your new Senior friend. This volunteer position is ideal for anyone wo wants an easy way to make someone feel special and could also be an ideal experience for anyone entering a career in supporting or helping people. No experience required - jut compassion and joy. Education about mild challenges with memory, resources for activities, networking opportunities and ongoing support for you and your client by the Care Manager. | ||
| Contact | Patricia Blakeley, Community Support Services Director, Acclaim Health; Phone: 289-838-4610; Email: pblakeley@acclaimhealth.ca | ||
| Duties | Clients in the Memory Visiting Program are in need of someone to remind them that they do matter, and to remind them of why they matter. Ask about their interests and their abilities and then use this week after week to guide your conversations and activities. You’ll provide a friendly social connection outside of the client’s normal social sphere and engage the client in activities or conversations that appeal to the client’s unique interests and abilities. This may involve looking at family photos, going out for a walk or simply sharing coffee and conversation. You’ll also be giving the family caregiver(s) a short break – a very important part of the support you’re providing. Training is available to assist you in supporting your client. The training includes suggested activities and strategies you can use to engage your client. Plus, our Care Managers are always available to support you and your client. COVID-19 Precautions Memory Visiting is now in person 1:1 following all COVID precautions. Current safety precautions are being followed carefully. Acclaim Health follows all current and up to date government regulations. Two vaccines are currently required. | ||
| More Info Link | https://acclaimhealth.ca/programs/social-supports/memory-visiting/ | ||
| Benefits | - Free Dementia Training program available . - Insights about how easy it is interacting with someone who has specific health and/or cognitive challenges - Great practical experience for a resume - Networking and community support information - Ongoing support from your Care Manager. - Volunteer recognition and Ongoing Volunteer Educational Workshops | ||
| Clients | Seniors and adults experiencing memory challenges due to any diagnosis/reason. (brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's, dementia such as Alzheimer's, etc) | ||
| Ages | 18 year(s) and up | ||
| Suitable for OSSD | Yes | ||
| Suitable For | Adults (18+) ; Seniors (55+) ; Post-secondary students ; Persons with a hearing impairment ; Newcomers / English as a second language | ||
| Areas of Interest | Advocacy ; Arts & Crafts ; Community Outreach ; Friend / Penpal ; Mental Health / Addictions ; Music & Performing Arts ; Physical Fitness & Exercise ; Recreation & Sports ; Senior's Activity Support ; Social Interaction ; Special Needs / Differently Abled | ||
| Skills/Experience | Communication & Interpersonal Skills - Care Manager is always available for support ; Confidentiality ; Elder Care ; Listening Skills ; Patience ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor ; Self-Motivated / Work Independently - A very independent position, 1:1 matches ; Translation & Languages - must be proficient in English but second languages very welcome ; Willing to keep open communication; Relate easily to others. Respectful of confidentiality. Want to make life better through a friendly connection. Genuinely interested in seniors who are challenged. Dependable. Willing to be a MVP. | ||
| Commitment Length | Long Term - 1 year commitment ; We ask that you assume an ongoing commitment, upon completion of your orientation. We are very understanding and accommodating of vacations/holidays, personal and sick time but no one wants to make a friend only to have them leave within a month or two. Matches are always flexible and will be changed if not a good fit for you. | ||
| Interaction Level | One-on-one | ||
| Minimum Hours | 1 / Week | ||
| Dates and Times | We'll work with you and your schedule to ensure you have the best volunteer experience possible! We do occasionally get clients who would enjoy an evening visit - most are tired by then. We have some clients who welcome a weekend visit but if they have family this is often when they come to support the Senior. | ||
| Seasons | Year Round | ||
| Accessibility | Unknown ; Some client homes are accessible for volunteers with a wheelchair/walker. Most client residences are accessible by public transit or your own mode of transportation. | ||
| Location | Client's home, apartment, supported living or retirement home (Oakville, Burlington, North Halton) | ||
| Number of Positions | Acton: 3 individual(s) ; Burlington: 5 individual(s) ; Georgetown: 3 individual(s) ; Milton: 5 individual(s) ; Oakville: 5 individual(s) 21 individual(s) needed in total. This volunteer position is ideal for anyone entering the health field - giving practical, safe, fun experience in supporting individuals with various challenges. No experience required just genuine care for people and open & ongoing communication. | ||
| Training | Orientation - Volunteer orientation to be completed prior to start date ; Training is provided - Specific client needs & best practices reviewed before introduction ; Training on-going - free seminars and support/training as needed while with client ; Dementia Training provided free of charge. Ongoing support from your Care Manager. | ||
| Transportation | Near public transit ; Car required - not required to take client out, but if comfortable then is an option ; We match according to your convenience of location. | ||
| Cost | Cost of Vulnerable Sector Search is not covered but you can keep the original. | ||
| Police Check | Required | ||
| Additional Requirements | Second language is always an asset | ||
| Start Date | On or after 07 Mar 2022 | ||
| Agency Details | |||
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| Organization Name | Acclaim Health, Community Support Services | ||
| Office Phone | 905-827-8800 | ||
| Toll Free Phone | 1-800-387-7127 | ||
| Fax | 905-827-3390 | ||
| generalinquiries@acclaimhealth.ca | |||
| Website | www.acclaimhealth.ca | ||
| Address & Map | |||
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