Purpose:

Mealtime Support Volunteers play an important role in creating a positive dining experience for residents with diverse and complex care needs. With training, volunteers provide supervised assistance to designated residents and social engagement for the larger group, helping to create a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience for all residents.

Available Shifts:

Shifts are available on most days of the week, with volunteers scheduled according to their availability and the needs of the program. There are three shift times to choose from:

·       Morning Meal: 8am to 10am

·       Midday Meal: 11:30am to 1:30pm

·       Evening Meal: 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Commitment: We ask volunteers to commit to at least six months of service and to maintain a regular schedule based on their availability.

Responsibilities:

Before Meal:

·       Welcome residents – help create a pleasant, social atmosphere

·       Help ensure tables are tidy and ready for the meal

·       Assist in bringing residents from their rooms to the dining room

·       Help residents get settled at the dining table and clean their hands

·       Engage residents in conversation while waiting for the meal, helping to reduce confusion or anxiety around the transition to mealtime

During the Meal:

·       Sit with residents and provide friendly conversation and social interaction, encouraging residents to join in

·       Assist with simple, non-clinical tasks such as opening a napkin package or adjusting a table setting

·       Assist residents with eating, as appropriate and as trained to do

·       Notice when a resident appears to need staff assistance and alert appropriate staff member

·       Help maintain a pleasant and welcoming dining environment

After the Meal:

·       Chat with the residents while they finish their meal or wait for staff

·       Help maintain a pleasant atmosphere while residents transition out of the dining room – assist with transportation, if needed

·       Report any concerns, changes, or incidents to staff

Eating Support: Volunteers may be trained to provide eating support to designated residents under the direction of staff. Volunteers will only provide eating support for residents if they have been appropriately trained and authorized. Volunteers do not make decisions regarding a resident’s diet, food texture, swallowing safety, intake, or care needs.

Qualifications:

·       Must be 18 years of age or older;

·       Must complete screening, onboarding, and training requirements including a Vulnerable Sector Police Check and a 2-Step TB Skin Test

·       Must complete Mealtime Support Volunteer and other relevant training sessions and pass a competency evaluation

·       Must follow hand hygiene and infection prevention protocols

·       Must understand how and when to seek assistance from staff and demonstrate sound judgement

·       Must maintain resident dignity, privacy, and choice throughout the meal

·       Have strong active listening skills;

·       Fluency in verbal English (additional languages may be beneficial).

·       No previous healthcare experience is required.

Training Requirements:

Onboarding training for new volunteers (in-person; sessions are on the last Saturday of each  month)

Role-specific trainings (in-person)

Competency evaluation (in-person)

Accountability:

This role reports to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Benefits:

·       Enjoy a rewarding experience that enhances the quality of life for PCH residents and their families.

·       Participate in educational and support sessions for volunteers.

·       Gain workplace knowledge and learn transferable skills.

·       Participate in our volunteer recognition programs.

·       Be a part of innovative and inclusive models in the delivery of senior care.