In-Home Recreation volunteers are those who are willing to share their time to make a difference in the life of an individual who has been living with dementia. Volunteers visit our clients once per week at the client’s home. The volunteer will engage the client in a meaningful activity during their visit, such as: conversation, walking, reading, playing cards, or some other mutually agreed activity that is important to the client. In addition to providing companionship to our client, this program will also provide relief for the caregiver. Currently need volunteers for the following locations: Kinmount Cobourg Apsley Peterborough

Responsibilities:

• Each weekly visit will involve facilitated activities that will address social, physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, or vocational domains of wellness based on the needs of the persons living with dementia.
• Visit the client regularly, on a mutually agreeable time and day.
• Call or email a client ahead of time if for any reason a visit needs to be
  postponed or rescheduled.
•  Inform assigned supervisor as to any changes in the client’s or volunteer’s
  situation, which would affect the visit; this includes address changes, holidays,
  illness, etc.
• Report any observations, comments or concerns regarding the client or the
  match to the assigned supervisor.
• Volunteers are visitors and as such will limit their duties to socialization and
  companionship activities only.
• Report volunteer hours, either through our volunteer database or by direct email
  to the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

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.

• 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 

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.

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.