Minds in Motion Volunteer

(Alzheimer Society of Muskoka)

Position ID: V-MUS0018
Last Modified: 12 Aug 2024
Last Full Update: 12 Aug 2024

Opportunity Details: Minds in Motion Volunteer

Contact Lynda Low, Minds in Motion Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Muskoka; Phone: 705-645-5621 ext 106; Email: mim@alzheimermuskoka.ca
Duties

This is a volunteer opportunity with the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka for the Minds in Motion® program.

Minds in Motion® is a community-based social program that incorporates physical and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stage signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and their care partners.

  • Minds in Motion® is an eight-week program delivered once weekly that combines physical activity with mental stimulation, in a social environment.
  • The program is delivered at Municipal Recreation Centres, Older Adult Centres or similar multi-service centres to help normalize the experience for participants.
  • The program was developed in British Columbia and results indicate improved physical and mental health for both people with dementia and their care partner.
  • Minds in Motion® is not a fitness program, a social recreation program or a drop-in program.

Tasks/Responsibilities:

  • Help with the set up and clean up of refreshments, games and activities for the program
  • Assist the Minds in Motion® Coordinator to ensure activity participation and socialization. This may include spending one-on-one time with participants who need extra support.
  • Under the direction of the Physical Activity Program Leader, provide one-on-one support to participants during the physical activity component of the program
  • Assist with any other required tasks

Qualifications:

  • Enjoy working with others, comfortable initiating conversation and including others
  • Patient, friendly and fun; comfortable in a non-competitive, inclusive environment
  • Have some experience communicating with older adults
  • Be physically able to participate in the physical activity component of the program
  • Commit to program at 8 week intervals
  • Organized and pay attention to detail
  • Reliable and able to follow instructions

Assets:

  • Aware of the aging process
  • Have basic knowledge and experience with dementia – training will be provided
  • Experience working with persons with dementia and their care partners
  • Physical activity or therapeutic recreation background

Time commitment:

  • Three hours/week for eight-ten weeks:
  • 30 minute set up, 2 hour program, 30 minute take down, clean up and de-brief.
  • Programs run at least three times per year – trained volunteers are encouraged to return to assist with programs held throughout the year.

Orientation/training:

Volunteers will receive:

  • Orientation to local Alzheimer Society and volunteer policies and procedures (approximately one hour)
  • Orientation to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (approximately three hours)
  • Orientation to Minds in Motion® and specific role (approximately one hour)
  • Access to Society’s more advanced dementia training (if applicable)

Supervision:

There will be on site supervision and de-briefing lead by the Minds in Motion® Coordinator.

A Police Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening is required for all volunteers. For those under the age of 18, parental or guardian approval is required.

 

Benefits · Training and education received will be of personal value for brain health! Training and experience will be of benefit when applying for professional or volunteer positions in the future 
 
· Be an integral part of a team working toward a better quality of life for persons with dementia and their care partners 
 
· Be a leader within a larger cause, meeting the growing need for support and services for persons with dementia and their care partners 
 
· Gain front line experience working with persons with dementia 
 
· Free refreshments during program
Clients People with early to mid-stage signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and their care partners.
Areas of Interest Community / Neighbourhood Volunteering ; Group / Family Volunteering ; Senior's Activity Support ; Social Interaction
Skills/Experience Friendly & Outgoing ; Listening Skills ; Patience ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor
Commitment Length Short Term (3 months or less) - Three hours/week for eight-ten weeks.
Interaction Level One-on-one ; Small Group ; Large Group
Location Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, or Parry Sound.
Number of Positions Muskoka District: 30 individual(s) ; Parry Sound District: 10 individual(s) 
 
40 individual(s) needed in total.
Training Orientation ; Training is provided
Police Check Required

Agency Details: Alzheimer Society of Muskoka

Office Phone 705-645-5621 ; 1-800-605-2075, Toll Free for Muskoka and South Parry Sound only
Fax 705-645-4397
E-Mail admin@alzheimermuskoka.ca
Website www.alzheimermuskoka.ca/
Address & Map
1-239 Manitoba St
Bracebridge, ON
Canada P1L 1S2
Mailing Address 1-239 Manitoba St 
Bracebridge, ON 
Canada P1L 1S2