Alzheimer Society London & Middlesex (Virtual In-Home Recreation Volunteers)

Organization Name: Alzheimer Society London & Middlesex
Opportunity Title: Virtual In-Home Recreation Volunteers
Category: Social and Community Service
Commitment: 6 months to 1 year
Start Date: December 31, 2020
End Date: December 31, 2021

Email: mwarwick@alzheimerlondon.ca
Website: https://alzheimerlondon.ca/volunteer/
Details:

• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Training or orientation required

Opportunity Description:

Virtual In Home Recreation Volunteer Seeking volunteers to visit with clients on a one to one basis virtually during the COVID 19 pandemic.  Your role would be to help with cognitive stimulation through planned recreation activities and conversation with a client you will be matched with.  Your visits will be held on a weekly basis at a time that works in your schedule as well as the client you are being matched with.  We are looking for outgoing, energetic, and eager to learn volunteers to take on the commitment of building a meaningful relationship with one of our clients. Objective: To assist the person with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias (ADOD) and their families by providing companionship and socialization for the person, delivering client-specific recreation interventions to stimulate memory, confidence and overall quality of life.   Supervisor: In Home Recreation Coordinator, Volunteer Specialist   Time Commitment: 1 hour a week for a minimum of 6 months   Skills/Abilities: 18 years of age or older Creative in adapting to the needs of the person with dementia Caring, compassionate and patient Good active listening and communication skills Ability to work independently Ability to accept direction and to ask for help when needed Reliable and dependable Sensitive and non-judgmental   Responsibilities: To complete the Alzheimer Information Series (3 hours) Training and the In Home Recreation (2 hours) Training prior to first visit To correspond with the In Home Recreation Coordinator to review and learn about the client and plan activities before first visit with client To be familiar with the background, skills and interests of the person To provide enriching recreational and social experiences for the person with dementia, taking into account the needs of that person To maintain confidentiality of any information learned about the person and their family members, unless safety is a concern To ensure that the person with dementia is safe and feels as secure and content as possible To report hours and notes on the Track It Forward App after each visit To complete an incident report immediately following an incident of concern To keep in regular contact with the In Home Recreation Coordinator to discuss any areas of concern To respect and adhere to the policies and procedures of the Alzheimer Society of London and Middlesex A willingness to update knowledge of ADOD through information available in our Society resource center and professional development workshops   Boundaries: The volunteer is prohibited from giving medical advice. The volunteer is prohibited from becoming involved in the legal and financial affairs of the person with whom they are matched (i.e. banking, Power of Attorney etc.)   Benefits: Provide much needed companionship and stimulation to the person. Valuable contribution to family needing support and to your community. Socialization opportunity for clients with ADOD. Building volunteer skillset in recreation and leisure and working 1:1 with clients living with ADOD.