Volunteer, Recreation / Activation, Respite and Renew, Caregiver Support

VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us : "Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home." Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, "The freedom and flexibility can't be beat." Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs. Team members tell us "I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home."

View more comments from our clients and their family members

Social isolation and loneliness are concerns that significantly impact the health and well-being of seniors, particularly those experiencing dementia. Social interaction has been shown to improve mood, enhance quality of life and avoid detrimental events such premature morbidity.

Volunteers will play a key role in addressing social isolation and loneliness among seniors through social interaction and encouragement to engage in gentle activity when appropriate.

Volunteers are matched with 1 senior and engage in meaningful conversation, and sometimes gentle activities such as interacting through games, cards and reading. Volunteer visits support caregivers by offering respite and relief.

RESPONSIBILTIES

• Visit senior client weekly - same day / time for 3 hours (Between 9am-4pm)
• Engage in meaningful conversation with seniors, relieving caregivers temporarily
• Engage in movement, and activities such as games, puzzles, cards when appropriate
• Must be sensitive to clients with cognitive impairment; hearing and vision needs; clients are at high risk for falls
• Focus on goals and needs of client within boundaries, policies and procedures
• Complete and submit weekly log

TIME COMMITMENT

WORKING CONDITION :

Volunteer role is independent, reporting to and supported by Volunteer Services staff. Visits occur in-home, small spaces PPE must be worn at all times; volunteers must continue to self-monitor throughout the volunteer shift.

SKILL REQUIREMENT :

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING :

SCREENING AND SUPERVISION :

BENEFITS

Accommodation and VHA's commitment to DEI

At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience. VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply.