Friendly Visiting Volunteer
(Acclaim Health, Community Support Services)
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| Opportunity Details | |||
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| Comments | In-person visiting has resumed with COVID-19 safety protocols in place | ||
| Contact | Kathryn Arsenault, Volunteer Coordinator, Acclaim Health; Phone: 905-827-8800 ext 2417; Email: karesenault@acclaimhealth.ca | ||
| Duties | 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. 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. We are following the proper precautions for COVID as per government requirements | ||
| More Info Link | https://acclaimhealth.ca/volunteer/friendly-visiting-volunteer/ | ||
| Benefits | - Great practical experience for a resume - Networking and community support information - Ongoing support from your Care Manager - Free Educational seminars - Volunteer lunch, Strawberry Social with clients, appreciation events | ||
| Clients | Most are seniors - some still fully mobile! We also have clients who have life limiting illnesses. 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 ; 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 | ||
| 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: 10 individual(s) ; Burlington: 10 individual(s) ; Georgetown: 10 individual(s) ; Milton: 10 individual(s) ; Oakville: 10 individual(s) 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 Vulnerable Sector Search is not covered. | ||
| Police Check | Required | ||
| Additional Requirements | Second language is always an asset; Two positive references | ||
| Start Date | On or after 01 Mar 2022 | ||
| End Date | 30 Sep 2022 | ||
| Agency Details | |||
| 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 | 2370 Speers Rd Oakville, ON L6L 5M2 | ||