Dementia Care Volunteer (Tuesdays or Thursdays Only)

About SPRINT Senior Care:

We began caring for seniors and enabling seniors to care for themselves in 1983. We continue to do so today as an accredited, not-for-profit community support service agency in Toronto by offering a wide range of practical and low-cost services to seniors and their caregivers. Our services help seniors stay safe, connected, and live as independently as possible, as well as prevent premature or inappropriate institutionalization.

We supply services regardless of ability, race, religion, ethnic origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and are committed to LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) inclusiveness.

We also co-direct House Calls, a primary care program for frail and homebound seniors, and are the lead agency of Toronto Ride, a Toronto-wide transportation network that provides rides to seniors.

Program Description:

Ewart Angus SPRINT Senior Care Homes (EASH) is a home dedicated to the full-time care of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia. The goal is to maximize the strengths of each resident while accommodating for their deficiencies. This program offers a wonderful opportunity for residents to interact with people outside of their social cycle, have accompany during mealtime, and patriciate in group activities. Volunteer will have a positive impact on patient’s nutritional and social wellbeing.

Volunteer Position Summary:

The volunteer works directly with the Program Activationist, residents, and support workers to provide a holistic approach in daily activities and programming for residents who have early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. The volunteers assist Program Staff by socializing with residents and helping facilitate program activities. The volunteer is supportive in fostering the maintenance of a client’s abilities and, where appropriate, the enhancement of those abilities through the organization of activities that are designed to stimulate and respond to the resident’s individual interests and abilities.

Quality, Health & Safety/ Risk Management

In order to reduce risk to clients, employees, volunteers and the agency, SPRINT Senior Care expects that all employees and volunteers will work within the mandate of their job description, and abide by the policies and procedures of the agency. Each employee is responsible for his/her own safety as well as that of fellow employees.

SPRINT Senior Care expects every employee and volunteer to work and participate in quality improvement efforts. This is an organizational philosophy that seeks to meet clients’ needs and exceed their expectations by using a structured process that selectively identifies and improves all aspects of service.

Responsibilities:

• Socialize with residents and encourage their participation in group activities
• Assist in physical set-up of the room and keeping program area tidy
• Interact with the residents and accompany residents on walks with the permission of either the Program Activationist or Supervisor
• Provide one-on-one visiting to isolated residents in their rooms
• Willingness to learn about dementia
• Willingness and ability to assist seniors with cognitive impairments
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times
• Participate constructively and contribute to the positive image of SPRINT Senior Care in the community
• Adhere to and participate in all SPRINT Senior Care system requirements

Time Commitment:

• Volunteer will establish regular schedule to visit the facility for certain day(s) and time(s). The program is available on weekdays as follows:

One on one visits:

• Weekly Tuesday Mornings: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Weekly Thursday Afternoons: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Volunteers should consider a three-month commitment

Qualifications:

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and flexibility
• Strong team work skills
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Aptitude for focusing on the needs of an elderly person or individual with disabilities
• Capacity to be patient, understanding, and compassionate
• Experience in recreation and group activities an asset