In-Home Recreation Volunteer

(Alzheimer Society of Muskoka)

Position ID: V-MUS0020
Last Modified: 12 Feb 2024
Last Full Update: 12 Feb 2024

Opportunity Details: In-Home Recreation Volunteer

Contact Alistair Cameron, In-Home Recreation Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Muskoka; Phone: 705-645-5621 ext 112; Email: acameron@alzheimermuskoka.ca
Duties

 

Objective: To assist the person with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias (ADOD) and their families by providing companionship for the person, delivering client-specific recreation interventions to stimulate memory, confidence, and overall quality of life, and providing relief for the caregiver.

Time Commitment: A minimum of 2 hours per week for 6 months.

Skills/Abilities:

▪ 19 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.

▪ Good health and grooming.

▪ Car is helpful, but not required.

Responsibilities:

▪ To complete the Alzheimer Information Series (3 hours) training and the Meaningful Activity In Home (3 hours) training prior to first visit.

▪ To complete 3 sessions of Social Recreation programming in AlzSWP office before being matched.

▪ To meet individually with the Social Recreation Coordinator to review and learn the personalized intervention plan before first visit with client and family.

▪ To visit the person in their home with Social Recreation Coordinator at a prearranged time, convenient to both the family and the volunteer, to introduce self and activities.

▪ To be familiar with the background, skills and interests of the person, and the intervention plan prepared by the Social Recreation Coordinator.

▪ To provide enriching recreational experiences, using the intervention plan, 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.  The volunteer should always carry a list of emergency telephone numbers, and the person’s medical information at all times.

▪ To complete an In Home Recreation Log after every visit and to send logs to the Manager of Volunteer and Social Recreation Services monthly. 

▪ To complete an incident report immediately following an incident of concern.

▪ To keep in regular contact with the Manager of Volunteer and Social Recreation Services and the Social Recreation Coordinator and discuss any areas of concern.

▪ To respect and adhere to the policies and procedures of the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners.

▪ A willingness to update knowledge of ADOD through information available in our Society resource center and professional development workshops.

Boundaries:

▪ The In Home Recreation volunteer is not expected to, and should not; undertake any activities involving personal care of the person with dementia, such as lifting, bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting or administration of medication(s).

▪ The In Home Recreation volunteer is prohibited from giving medical advice.

▪ The In Home Recreation 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 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.
Clients Persons living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and their care partners.
Ages 19 year(s) and up
Areas of Interest Community / Neighbourhood Volunteering ; Community Outreach ; Personal Support
Skills/Experience Friendly & Outgoing ; Listening Skills ; Patience ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor ; Self-Motivated / Work Independently
Commitment Length Medium Term (4 months to 1 year) - A minimum of 2 hours per week for 6 months.
Interaction Level One-on-one ; Small Group
Minimum Hours 2 / Week
Accessibility Unknown
Location Muskoka and Parry Sound
Number of Positions Muskoka District: 20 individual(s) ; Parry Sound District: 10 individual(s) 
 
30 individual(s) needed in total. 
 
We are always looking for passionate and caring individuals who are interested in volunteering.
Training Training is provided
Transportation Car is helpful, but not required.
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