Seniors Visiting & Meal Delivery Volunteer

Job title:

Seniors Visiting & Meal Delivery Volunteer

Company

VHA Home HealthCare

Job description

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.”Social isolation and loneliness are growing concerns that significantly impact the health and well-being of seniors. Social interaction has been shown to improve mood, enhance quality of life and avoid detrimental events such as falls, hospitalization and premature morbidity.Seniors Visiting and Meal Delivery Volunteers will play a role in addressing social isolation and loneliness among seniors through social interaction. Volunteers will visit seniors in a facility setting and engage in meaningful conversation and when deemed appropriate, gentle activity such as games, puzzles, and cards.The facility in east Toronto is a 24/7 inpatient facility supporting frail seniors at risk. All volunteers must self-screen before arriving on the unit and on entry into the unit. Volunteers must follow IPAC guidelines on hand hygiene, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Use of PPE will be reviewed and monitored by the unit manager.AREA SERVED: East Toronto, Kingston Road/WoodbineRESPONSIBILTIESVisit seniors weekly – same day/time for 4 hours (Weekdays; 9:30am – 1:30pm)Engage in meaningful conversation with seniors/residentsEngage in simple, gentle activities when deemed appropriate such as games, puzzles, cardsDeliver lunch to residents and retrieve meal trays on timeMust be sensitive to clients with cognitive impairment; hearing and vision needs; clients high risk for fallsVolunteers must follow the direction of the unit manager/supervisor in the event of an emergency or urgent clinical need that may take priority over volunteer activitiesVolunteers must report any client-related concerns or changes to the supervisor/manager onsite Volunteers must follow all health and safety procedures, emergency procedures, policies, procedures and boundariesVolunteers must check in and out with the unit manager or floor supervisor on arrival and before leavingVolunteers must commit to a regular, ongoing scheduleTIME COMMITTMENT4 hours plus travel time per weekVisits are weekly, on weekdays, 9:30am – 1:30pmAble to commit for minimum of 24 weeksWORKING CONDITIONSVisits occur in a congregate setting with frail seniors in Toronto, East.

SKILL REQUIREMENTRelated experience caring for older adults/seniorsStrong oral communication skillsStrong active listening skillsFriendly and caring attitudeExperience and sensitivity to working with culturally diverse individuals and familiesCreativity in planning and implementing gentle activities when appropriatePrevious volunteer experience, engaging socially with seniors, an assetUnderstanding of the aging process, impact of aging on the individual and family an assetBackground in gerontology, social work, social services an assetBOUNDARIES

• No personal care given to client by volunteer
• No touching or moving residents -,volunteers do not move residents from bed nor from seated position – nurses must assist clients with movement;
• No clinical work to be done by volunteers
• No exchange of personal contact information (phone numbers, e-mails, addresses,)
• Keep disclosure of personal information limited; no social media engagement, no photographs etc.
• Do not accept/give items, food, gifts from/to clients
• Attend/visit facility only on assigned days/times; no engagement with clients outside of scheduled shifts

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

• Orientation to the agency and volunteer program
• Orientation to facility and role provided onsite prior to beginning volunteer commitment

SCREENING AND SUPERVISION

• Resume
• Screening
• Interview
• 2 References
• Criminal Reference check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Signed Volunteer General Release, Agreement, Waiver (Policies); other agreements as required
• Training and orientation required
• Reports to Unit Manager, Charge Nurse or Supervisor Onsite at beginning and end of each visit
• Support and feedback provided

BENEFITSVolunteers are supported through orientation, training, (online and in person) meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one support.Career-related experience.We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged & rewarded.Opportunities to meet new people.Develop social and professional networks.Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.Gain valuable work experience to build your resume.Support your community.Enhance clients’ lives and deliver life-changing supports and services.Reference letter upon request following 100 hours of volunteer service.Program Assistant or/Coordinator or/Supervisor will be available for feedback and support.Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEIAt 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.

Expected salary

Location

Toronto, ON

Job date

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 23:29:16 GMT

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