Role Summary: 

Work one-on-one with an individual living with dementia. Meaningful Visit Volunteers are willing to share their time to make a difference in the life of an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Volunteers visit clients once per week in the client’s home. The volunteer will engage the client in a meaningful activity during their visit.  Volunteers use interview guides to explore the person living with dementia’s leisure preferences. Using the client preferences and leisure activities questionnaire, a kit is created that can be used for engagement activities during their visits and remains with the client at the end of the program for continued engagement.

Responsibilities 

•  Engage client through socialization and meaningful activity kit for program duration. 
• Follow the guidelines in the program visit outline. 
• Visit the client regularly, 1 hour per week for 10 weeks during a mutually agreeable time and day. Report any observations, comments or concerns regarding the client or the match to the assigned supervisor. 
• Call client ahead of time if for any reason a visit time 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 visiting; this includes address changes, holidays, illness, etc. 
• Report volunteer hours, through the online form or by direct email to the Coordinator of Volunteer.
• Maintain strictest of confidence with all matters related to the Society and its clients. 
  

Required Skills/Experience 

• Have a sincere interest in working with adults or seniors with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia. 
• Be able to communicate with others on a one-to-one basis in an understanding, caring and sensitive and supportive manner. 
• Skilled at initiating conversations and engaging clients in social activities. 
• Interest in other people and what is important to them. 
• Ability to listen objectively and be tolerant of others’ cultural, religious or lifestyle beliefs and attitudes. 
• Be dependable and punctual. 
• Ability to work with our clients, their families and ASNR staff. 
• Have a warm and caring personality. 
• Experience working with persons with dementia is an asset or willingness to learn. 
• Excellent communication and active listening skills. 
• Strong organizational abilities.

Training Requirements 

• Orientation to agency, ASNR programs, policies, and procedures 
• Online ALZEducate Modules, AODA and WHMIS training 
• Completion of Volunteer Workshop 
• Review of Meaningful Visitor Program manual

 Other Requirements 

•   Provide two References 
• Obtain a complete and clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check 
• Must be 18+ years of age