Friendly Visitor (Acclaim Health, Community Support Services)

Friendly Visitor

(Acclaim Health, Community Support Services)

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Position ID: V-HVC0516

Last Full Update: 26 Sep 2019

Opportunity Details

Comments

Volunteers always needed for lonely, isolated Seniors - some who do not speak English.
One visit per week can bring a lonely Senior a huge sense of worth and happiness. Seniors who are isolated, often find their recall of daily details is frosted over. A little social contact can melt that ice and bring warmth to you and your new Senior Friend.

Contact

Francine Savelson, Volunteer Engagment Coordinator, Acclaim Health; Phone: 905 827 8800 ext 2329; Email: fsavelson@acclaimhealth.ca

Duties

Visit a socially isolated Senior in their own home. You can provide sunshine by making a new friend with a client who is still very social, friendly and happy to see you but is experiencing challenges with their memory. Many are still very physically able.

Visits are weekly for as little as one-hour time commitment for an in-home visit or a couple of hours if you care to take them to an activity in which you share an interest such as coffee, shopping, attend an art show, live music, even for a walk by the lake. By volunteering, you may also be providing some much-needed support to a caregiver or family member simply by visiting one of our wonderful clients.

Your visit helps maintain and encourage the client's confidence and independence.
We have a long list of non-English speaking clients waiting for company.

Benefits

- Free training available
- Great practical experience for a resume
- Networking and community support information
- Ongoing support from your Program Coordinator
- Free Educational seminars
- Volunteer lunch, Strawberry Social with clients, appreciation events

Clients

Most are seniors - some still fully mobile! All are social and hoping to make a new friend.

Ages

18 year(s) and up

Suitable For

Adults (18+) ; Seniors (55+) ; Post-secondary students ; Newcomers / English as a second language

Areas of Interest

Community Outreach ; Event Coordination & Support ; Friend / Penpal ; Games ; Gardening / Yard Work ; Mental Health / Addictions ; Music & Performing Arts ; Physical Fitness & Exercise ; Reading / Literacy ; Recreation & Sports ; Senior's Activity Support ; Social Interaction ; Special Needs / Differently Abled ; Translation / Languages / Interpretation

Skills/Experience

Communication & Interpersonal Skills ; Counseling & Support - support ONLY - by sharing and listening. Support provides independence ; Creativity ; Dependability & Trustworthiness ; Elder Care ; Friendly & Outgoing ; Listening Skills ; Patience ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor ; Self-Motivated / Work Independently ; Translation & Languages ; Respect confidentiality. Want to make life better through a friendly connection. Genuinely interested in seniors.

Commitment Length

Long Term - We ask for a minimum of 1 year commitment ; We ask you to assume an ongoing commitment, upon completion of your orientation, for a minimum of one year.
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 - some live with a spouse or caregiver (some have none).

Minimum Hours

1 / Week

Dates and Times

Monday: Morning, Afternoon
Tuesday: Morning, Afternoon
Wednesday: Morning, Afternoon
Thursday: Morning, Afternoon
Friday: Morning, Afternoon

Seasons

Year Round ; Any time you can spare!

Accessibility

Our office is accessible.
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 in Halton

Number of Positions

Acton ; Burlington ; Georgetown ; Milton ; Oakville

40 individual(s) needed in total.

Training

Orientation ; Training is provided - Specific client needs and best practices reviewed before introduction. ; Scheduled training ; Training on-going - Free seminars and support/training as needed while with client.

Transportation

Near public transit ; Driver License required ; Car required - Not required to take client out, but if comfortable then it is an option.

Cost

Cost of Police check is not covered.

Police Check

Required

Additional Requirements

Second language is always an asset; Two positive references

Start Date

On or after 01 Oct 2019

Agency Details