Volunteer Support Group Facilitator   
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

The facilitator will:

  • Support the goals of PSSO in local communities with an emphasis on providing
    information and fellowship for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
  • Attend ongoing training/education and Community of Practice meetings provided
    by PSSO to increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s disease and to enhance
    their skills as a facilitator.
  • Ensure all public notices for the group contain the group information, PSSO logo,
    and a reference to the group being a program of PSSO.
  • Provide PSSO with updated group lists, including names, addresses, telephone
    numbers, and email addresses regularly.
  • Provide an attendance record (First & Last Name of each participant) to PSSO
    immediately following each group session. This will be submitted using the
    volunteer portal “My Impact Page.”
  • Document all hours of volunteering using the volunteer portal “My Impact Page,”
    which should include all time spent each month planning as well as group
    facilitation.
  • Notify PSSO of any important information immediately as it pertains to the overall
    group or specific client participants (questions, resources, health changes, death in
    the family, etc.).

The facilitator works with the group to:

  • Act in accordance with the Volunteer Code of Conduct (see page 12)
  • Define the role and emphasize that the facilitator is not an expert in all things.
  • Conduct group meetings in a caring, respectful, and compassionate manner.
  • Promote the value of empowerment, encouraging individuals to be involved in
    making decisions about their own care.
  • Establish, with input from group participants, a list of ground rules and goals for the
    group and review the list with the group on a regular basis.
  • Foster an opportunity for people to interact with others dealing with similar health
    concerns and facilitate the sharing of their experience living with Parkinson’s.
  • Encourage group members to participate in PSSO programs, education events, and
    fundraising events.
  • Invite group participants to connect with PSSO staff and programs as necessary.
  • Welcome and introduce new participants to the group, explain group guidelines such as confidentiality and help them connect with other group participants.

Group Interaction & Communication
The facilitator will:

  • Ensure group participants are educated about and adhere to the confidentiality
    policy.
  • Moderate the discussions in the group to ensure that all participants have an equal
    opportunity to share if they wish. This may require the facilitator to enhance their
    skills to ensure that participants that are talkative do not monopolize the
    discussion. Gently redirect attention to less vocal participants.
  • Encourage a balance in discussions by encouraging the group to consider
    constructive solutions when negative issues are being addressed. Although there
    will be times when participants need to freely express and share their feelings, even
    if their tone seems negative.
  • Remind the group that the symptoms, treatment, and progression of Parkinson’s
    are unique to each person, so others’ experiences may be different from one’s own.
  • Strive to present information and encourage discussion that is honest while at the
    same time promotes a feeling of optimism.
  • Remind participants to adopt a “consumers beware” approach to any information
    shared in the group and do their own research or speak with a medical professional
    before actin
Long-term Care Volunteer   Simcoe County 
Simcoe County, Corporation of, Sunset Village and Manor, Long Term Care and Seniors Services - Sunset Manor Long Term Care Facility
Collingwood

 

      Various opportunities inculding:
    • Friendly visiting 
    • Activity programming. ie. crafts, coffee socials, inter-generational programs 
    • Student placements and internships (College/Universities) 
    • Administration 
    • Meal assistance 
    • Pet visitor 
    • Music volunteer 
    • Simcoe Cycling without Age bike program
    •  

 

New Horizons Senior Program planning committee   Simcoe County 
CONTACT Community Services, Alliston - 39 Victoria St E, Volunteer South Simcoe
Beeton, Alliston, Bradford, Innisfil

Volunteers will be involved in the planning, promoting and implementation or the New Horizons Seniors Program.

Volunteer Piano Player   Bruce County  Grey County  Simcoe County 
Stayner Care Centre
Stayner

play piano for residents, social interactions with residents.

Bradford Valley Care Community Volunteer   Simcoe County 
Bradford Valley Care Community
Bradford
  • Special events
  • Art programming
  • Outings
  • Friendly visiting
  • Gardening
  • Spiritual care
  • Pet therapy visits
Volunteers   Simcoe County 
Georgian Village, Georgian Manor
Penetanguishene
One on one visiting with residents 
Supporting and/or facilitating group activities 
Reading or playing games with residents 
Meal assistance  
Supporting our cycling program
Activity Aide Volunteer   Simcoe County 
Champlain Manor Retirement Residence
Orillia

Assists activity coordinator with different activities such as:

  • Special events
  • Outings
  • Friendly visiting
  • Other duties around residence
Retirement Lodge Recreation Volunteer   Muskoka District  Simcoe County 
Leacock Retirement Lodge
Orillia
  • Running art or music programs 
  • Assistance with organizing the set up and tear down of recreation activities
  • Technology assistance for seniors 
  • Information or educational seminars for seniors 
  • Organizing tea and talk socials and word games 
Hairstylist Assistance   Simcoe County 
Trillium Manor
Orillia
  • Bring residents to the hair salon and return them to their home area
  • Assist with tasks such as removing curlers
  • Sweeping and other hair salon type duties
  • Program Assistant Volunteers   Simcoe County 
    Trillium Manor
    Orillia
    Volunteers required for assisting at activity programs:
  • Special events
  • Outings
  • Meal assistance
  • Friendly visiting
  • Transporting residents to and from programs
  • Assist with the Mind and Melody program
  • Special Event Assistant   Simcoe County 
    Chartwell Tiffin Retirement Residence, Chartwell Tiffin
    Midland
    Volunteers assist with enriching the lives of our residents by supporting with:
  • Events
  • Snack and library trolleys
  • Companion on a walk
  • Helping them complete a project of their own
  • We are always looking for talented musicians, artist and singers s to entertain our residents.
    Tuck Shop Volunteer   Simcoe County 
    Trillium Manor
    Orillia
    Assist with weekly tuck shop program, includes:
  • Opening tuck shop
  • Setting up
  • Getting ready for residents
  • Handling cash
  • Volunteer   Simcoe County 
    Paradise Shores by AmandaFritz
    Orillia
    • Cook, bake, gardening
    • Activities with residence
    • Supporting with activities of daily living
    Volunteers - Activity Assistants   Simcoe County 
    Birchmere Retirement Residence
    Orillia
    • Attending activities, programs, and/or events with residents
    • One-on-one visits with residents; spending time chatting, playing card games, doing puzzles, crafts
    • Accompanying them on walks either within the building or outdoors (weather permitting)
    • Miscellaneous duties as needed
    Volunteer Companion   Simcoe County 
    Community Reach, Transportation
    Simcoe North
    Volunteers are needed to accompany North Simcoe residents registered with our Transportation programs.
      Volunteers will assist people:
    • Shopping
    • Getting to social activities
    • Help navigate health appointments
    VON Exercise Leader   Simcoe County 
    VON Canada, Orillia - Front St S, SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)® Exercise and Fall Prevention Classes
    Orillia
    The goal of VON’s SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)® Program is to enable adults 55+ to maintain independence, improve quality of life and to ultimately promote healthy aging. No prior experience is required and full training will be provided.  
    We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who have a keen interest in promoting health and well-being through physical activity. Come find out more about the classes, our training program, and hear directly from some of our volunteers why they love being part of SMART.
    Musical Volunteers   Bruce County  Grey County 
    Brightshores Health System, Volunteer Services and Auxiliaries
    Owen Sound

    Perform musically for geriatric patients at the Owen Sound Hospital.

    Volunteers   Simcoe County 
    Victoria Village, Barrie - 78 Ross St, Victoria Village Manor
    78 Ross Street

    Volunteers can assist with a variety of activities and programs including:  

    Recreation programs (games, arts and crafts etc) 
    Small Group Programs (cards, reading, knitting)
    Cards games (Euchre & Crib)
    Special events and Entertainment 
    Special Interest Presentations
    Community Bus Outings  
    One to one friendly visits 
    Hair dresser & In home Wellness appointments 
    General office assistance
    Spiritual Care 
    Palliative Visits 
    Gardening (in warmer months)

     

     

    Youth Volunteer   Simcoe County 
    Simcoe Village Apartments, Supportive Housing
    Beeton
    • One on one visiting with residents
    • Supporting and/or facilitating group activities
    • Reading or playing games with residents
    • Meal assistance
    Stayner Care Centre Volunteer Opportunities   Simcoe County 
    Stayner Care Centre
    Stayner
    • Friendly Visiting, Coffee Social 
    • Knitting, Painting, Crafts 
    • Scrabble Players, Bingo Caller, Pin Setters for Bowling 
    • Assisting in the Dining Room and Program Set up 
    • Movie Night Volunteer 
    • Friendly Reminder Volunteer 
    • Manicures 
    • Musical Talent
    Volunteer Companionship   Simcoe County 
    Atrium Retirement Residence
    Orillia
    • Provide companionship
    • Reading
    • Crafts
    • Assisting in the Culinary Department.
    Woods Park Care Centre Volunteer   Simcoe County 
    Woods Park Care Centre, Long Term Care Home, Barrie
    Woods Park Care Centre, 110 Lillian Cres., Barrie

    Volunteers can assist with a variety of programs and activities including: 

    • One-on-One Friendly Visiting 
    • Gardening 
    • Holiday Celebrations and Special Events 
    • Outings  
    • Card playing, Bingo and other games 
    • Entertainment 
    • Hairdressing & Wellness Assistance 
    • Escorting Residents to in house appointments 
    • Dining Assistance
    Volunteer Opportunities   Simcoe County 
    Leacock Care Centre
    Orillia

    Volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in assisiting with recreation programs, outings, friendly visiting, computer programs, reading programs and special events.

    Active Living Program Volunteer   Bruce County  Grey County 
    Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce
    Owen Sound, Hanover, Markdale, Meaford, Southampton
      Support our Social Recreation Coordinator with the delivery of varied programs for people living with dementia.
    • Ensure that participants are engaged
    • Some light set up and clean up of the space for each program
    • Training as appropriate for each course
    • Volunteers participate in the activities along with the participants - It's fun!
    • This program may be held virtually during the pandemic. A computer would be a requirement to volunteer in that case
    Minds in Motion Program Volunteer   Grey County 
    Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce
    Owen Sound, Markdale, Meaford, Hanover, Southampton
    • 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
    Entertainment   Simcoe County 
    VON Canada, Adult Day Program
    4337 Burnside Line. Unit 12, Orillia, L3V 6J3

    We are looking for 1/2 hour of music entertainment for our seniors. Weekly or monthly.  
    Our community based day program is attended by seniors with dementia.

    Drop-In Leader   Grey County 
    South East Grey Community Health Centre, Markdale
    Markdale
    Set up tables and chairs, play bingo, board games, pool and socialize. Make coffee/tea.
    Tuck Cart Volunteer   Simcoe County 
    Woods Park Care Centre, Long Term Care Home, Barrie

    Special Events and Outing Assistance

    Friendly Visitor with Residents   Grey County 
    Georgian Heights Health Care Centre
    Georgian Heights Long Term Care 1115 10th Street East Owen Sound
    Visit socially with assigned residents for 10-30 minutes depending on their interests, health, and attention span. Visits may include, but are not limited to chatting, going outside, playing cards, crafts, telling jokes, current events, etc.
    Volunteer   Simcoe County 
    Mill Creek Care Centre, Long Term Care Facility
    286 Hurst Drive, Barrie
    We are looking for volunteers to assist with special events with the programs department, taking residents outside, delivering internal mail and various independent programs with residents.
    Advisory Committee Member   Simcoe County 
    Age-Friendly Orillia Advisory Committee
    Variable

    Join as a general member of the committee.

    • Advocate for policies, services and structures that enable people of all ages to benefit from an active, independent and meaningful life
    • Learn what makes a community age-friendly
    • Attend monthly meetings, participate in important planning discussions and decision making
    • Potentially: Engage in a sub-group initiative (such as the Annual Expo/Event Planning, Work Plan development or other such projects).
    • This volunteer position is most suitable for someone with knowledge and interest in  local issues and opportunities affecting older adults
    • We welcome skills associated with fundraising, community development, event planning or strategic planning
    • Use your experience, skills and knowledge to make meaningful change happen 
    • Collaborate with community partners to make Orillia age-friendly
    • Learn something new: Age-Friendly is a world-wide movement
    • Participate in stimulating discussions
    Beeton Adult Day Program   Simcoe County 
    VON Canada, Beeton, Adult Day Program
    Beeton
    Do you play a musical instrument? Do you have a talent you want to showcase?  
    Contact Lori Waring either by phone or email to set up a time. We are always searching for individuals or groups to come in and provide entertainment to our clients for our adult day program providing social recreational and therapeutic activities for seniors and adults who are frail, cognitively impaired, and/or isolated, and/or physically challenged.
    Bingo Caller   Simcoe County 
    Woods Park Care Centre, Long Term Care Home, Barrie
    110 Lillian Cres, Barrie

    Call numbers for bingo games that are put on for the residents.

    Day Away Volunteer   Bruce County  Grey County 
    Home & Community Support Services Grey-Bruce, Owen Sound - Head Office, Heritage Place Mall, Home and Community Support Services of Grey-Bruce
    • Provide support to the Day Away staff by socializing with clients, participating in planned activities, and carrying out different recreational activities (ie. a game of cards, arts and crafts, and more!)
    • Help with coats and boots during the beginning and end of the day
    Friendly Visitor   Muskoka District  Simcoe County 
    Canadian Red Cross - Simcoe Muskoka, Simcoe Muskoka Branch, Volunteer Services
    Barrie, Innisfil, Midland, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst
    • Provide regular visits to assigned older adult clients, offering companionship, conversation & engagement in meaningful activities 
    • Perform regular outbound phone calls to assigned older adult clients  
    • Report any health or safety concerns to the Supervisor 
    • Provide monthly activity reports to Supervisor 
    Friendly Visitor   Simcoe County 
    Roberta Place
    503 Essa Road Barrie (between Ferndale/Mapleton)

    Visiting residents residing in long term care, one-on-one. This can include walking with residents inside and outside the facility.

    Friendly Visitor, Senior's Activities & Meal Assistant   Simcoe County 
    Villa Care Centre (The), Villa Retirement Lodge (The)

    One on one visiting with residents 
    Supporting and/or facilitating group activities 
    Reading or playing games with residents 
    Meal assistance  

    In-Home Recreation Volunteer   Simcoe County 
    Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, Barrie
    All communities within Simcoe County

    As part of our vision to see persons with dementia living well and thriving, this program seeks out ways to keep a person engaged within their home, while simlutaneously providing care partners with a little bit of respite.

    Volunteers will conduct 1:1 weekly meaningful and social recreation visits with persons living with dementia.  Volunteers will receive training and support from In-Home Recreation Coordinator as well as an outline of suggested activities.  They will also have flexibilty to plan activities that best meet the client's needs. 

    Weekly visits are 1.5 hours in length and a 6 month committment is appreciated.

    Minds in Motion Volunteer   Muskoka District  Parry Sound District 
    Alzheimer Society of Muskoka
    Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, or Parry Sound.

    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.

     

    Program Assistant, Minds in Motion   Simcoe County 
    Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, Barrie
    Simcoe County

    Assist with participant pre-evaluations and assessments 
    Help with the set up and clean up of refreshments, games and activities 
    Assist Minds in Motion Coordinator to ensure activity participation and socialization 
    Under direction of the Physical Activity Program Leader, provide one-on-one support to participants during physical activity component of the program 
    Assist with any other required task 
    Complete a post evaluation form

    Program Delivery Assistant   Simcoe County 
    Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, Barrie
    Midland
    • Help with the set up and clean up of the projects each week.
    • Assist Art Therapist to ensure activity participation and socialization of each participant
    • Under direction of the Art Therapist/Family Support Coordinator, provide one-to-one support to the participants during the creative art process.
    • Assist with any other tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the program.
    • At the end of the Program (June) complete an evaluation form about the volunteer role in the Quest Art School + Gallery Program.
    Recreation Volunteer   Muskoka District 
    Muskoka Landing
    Huntsville, Ontario

    Volunteer opportunity for individuals interested in facilitating recreation programs including: arts & crafts, outings, friendly visiting, bingo, exercise programs, computer programs, reading programs, special events and more! 

    Special Steps Dementia Visiting   
    Victorian Order of Nurses - Perth-Huron Branch
    Perth County - Stratford, St. Marys, Mitchell, Milverton, Listowel ONTARIO

    Be a walking companion for someone living with dementia. Provide support, friendship during regularly scheduled walks.

    The objective of the program is to provide mobile individuals diagnosed with Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) who are living independently in the community with activity and companionship.

    Therapy Dog Handler   Muskoka District  Simcoe County 
    St John Ambulance, Barrie Simcoe Muskoka, First Aid Training
    Simcoe County and Muskoka District - Various Locations

    Volunteers visit seniors' centres, hospitals and schools with properly evaluated dogs, no less than 1 year old, providing residents and patients the companionship of a pet.

    Volunteer for our many projects such as Granting Wishes for Seniors, Christmas Bag of Love program, Memory book program, general good deeds for Senior   Simcoe County 
    Senior Wish Association, Mailing Address
    Barrie, Innisfil, Clearview Township area, Muskoka-Gravenhurst , Collingwood, Simcoe County

    Help Senior Wish expand into Simcoe County to ensure that no senior is left isolated, alone and feeling like society has forgotten them. Help is especially needed to prepare for our Christmas Wish program starting in Sept.

    Volunteer Support Group Facilitator   Grey County 
    Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

    The facilitator will:

    • Support the goals of PSSO in local communities with an emphasis on providing
      information and fellowship for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
    • Attend ongoing training/education and Community of Practice meetings provided
      by PSSO to increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s disease and to enhance
      their skills as a facilitator.
    • Ensure all public notices for the group contain the group information, PSSO logo,
      and a reference to the group being a program of PSSO.
    • Provide PSSO with updated group lists, including names, addresses, telephone
      numbers, and email addresses regularly.
    • Provide an attendance record (First & Last Name of each participant) to PSSO
      immediately following each group session. This will be submitted using the
      volunteer portal “My Impact Page.”
    • Document all hours of volunteering using the volunteer portal “My Impact Page,”
      which should include all time spent each month planning as well as group
      facilitation.
    • Notify PSSO of any important information immediately as it pertains to the overall
      group or specific client participants (questions, resources, health changes, death in
      the family, etc.)

    The facilitator works with the group to:

    • Act in accordance with the Volunteer Code of Conduct (see page 12)
    • Define the role and emphasize that the facilitator is not an expert in all things.
    • Conduct group meetings in a caring, respectful, and compassionate manner.
    • Promote the value of empowerment, encouraging individuals to be involved in
      making decisions about their own care.
    • Establish, with input from group participants, a list of ground rules and goals for the
      group and review the list with the group on a regular basis.
    • Foster an opportunity for people to interact with others dealing with similar health
      concerns and facilitate the sharing of their experience living with Parkinson’s.
      10
    • Encourage group members to participate in PSSO programs, education events, and
      fundraising events.
    • Invite group participants to connect with PSSO staff and programs as necessary.
    • Welcome and introduce new participants to the group, explain group guidelines
      such as confidentiality and help them connect with other group participants.

    Group Interaction & Communication
    The facilitator will: 

    • Ensure group participants are educated about and adhere to the confidentiality
      policy.
    • Moderate the discussions in the group to ensure that all participants have an equal
      opportunity to share if they wish. This may require the facilitator to enhance their
      skills to ensure that participants that are talkative do not monopolize the
      discussion. Gently redirect attention to less vocal participants.
    • Encourage a balance in discussions by encouraging the group to consider
      constructive solutions when negative issues are being addressed. Although there
      will be times when participants need to freely express and share their feelings, even
      if their tone seems negative.
    • Remind the group that the symptoms, treatment, and progression of Parkinson’s
      are unique to each person, so others’ experiences may be different from one’s own.
    • Strive to present information and encourage discussion that is honest while at the
      same time promotes a feeling of optimism.
    • Remind participants to adopt a “consumers beware” approach to any information
      shared in the group and do their own research or speak with a medical professional
      before acting.
    Volunteers on Executive Committee   Muskoka District  Parry Sound District  Simcoe County 
    National Association of Federal Retirees, Barrie, National Association of Federal Retirees - Huronia Branch 35

    Members of the National Association of Retirees (or those who wish to join and are eligible) in Barrie and the surrounding communities such as Orillia, Midland, Bracebridge, Parry Sound, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Alliston etc. are invited to volunteer to join the Executive Committee in the positions of Treasurer, Secretary, and Director at Large. Our Branch holds 2 general meetings per year and a few other small events. We need volunteers to help with the planning and execution of these events. We hold monthly committee meetings that involve about one hour of time on ZOOM calls. Depending on the role, a committment of approximately 5 hours per month is required.