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 

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! 

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.

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.