What's a Typical Day at YouQuest?
• Interacting with participants and staff as part of our team
• Actively participating in recreation activities
• Anticipating participant needs and learning their life stories
• Support participant independence and decision-making abilities

Service days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Volunteer Shifts: 3+ hours morning, afternoon, or full day
Schedule: Weekly, monthly (your choice!)
Location: Calgary Jewish Community Centre
Nutrition: Snacks/Lunch provided; enjoyed with participants

Summary of Volunteer Responsibilities during a YouQuest service day:
Welcome and interact with participants and staff
• Greet participants
• Assist participants to store belongings
• Assist with meal selection
• Participate in individual and group conversations
• Actively participate in planned recreation activities and fitness (stretching, gym and/or exercise machines)

Support participants with in-house activities
• Change room support as needed (example: assisting a participant to change into appropriate clothing)
• Socialize and workout with participant to support individual’s fitness goals
• Assist with equipment set-up
• Assist with wrap-up and clean-up of equipment after fitness activity
• Support transition back to home base
• Assist with transition to and from lunch
• Enjoy lunch and conversation with tablemates
• Participate during activities: cognitive games, art, and sports (pickle ball, tennis, basketball), etc.
• Engage and support participants during the music session 

During off-site service days, enable participants to enjoy visiting amenities and attractions in and around the Calgary area
• Attractions could include: Calgary Zoo, Studio Bell, Heritage Park, hikes within and outside the city, museums, etc.
• Assist with transition to bus/public transit 

Assist participants with closure to the service day
• Help to gather personal belongings
• Ensure all participants safely get to their ride 

Skillset and Personal Qualities of Volunteers:
• Friendly and warm
• Fully engaged in activities as appropriate
• Knowledgeable about young onset dementia and unique individuals’ needs, and/or willing to learn
• Good observation skills
• Empathy and sensitivity
• Flexibility and ability to “go with the flow”
• Able to support participants on a variety exercise equipment
• Able to lift and/or carry up to 20 lbs
• Able to walk 5 km
• Observant for potential needs and dangers

What is YouQuest?
YouQuest is a community for people with young-onset dementia (diagnosed before age 65) and their families. Our purpose is to promote health and well-being by ensuring access to recreation therapy, counselling, and peer support. YouQuest offers a place to belong. It is a reliable support network for caregivers, providing them with a break from caring responsibilities. 

A registered charity, YouQuest organizes activities for people in this younger population group. Our recreation therapy staff and volunteers provide functional support to help participants achieve well-being, learn new skills, and maintain their independence. 

Who are the YouQuest Participants?
YouQuest is designed to appeal to younger people with dementia who want to be active and social in a community.
Inclusion criteria includes:
• Diagnosis of dementia and/or symptoms before age 65
• Safe in an unsecured environment
• Self-ambulatory and medically stable
• Independent with meals and medication
• Willing and able to participate safely in individual and group recreation activities 

Is YouQuest a Fit for You? Do you…
• Have a positive, enthusiastic attitude?
• Value supporting participant’s independence?
• Communicate easily in a calm, reliable and compassionate manner?
• Have a desire to learn/implement strategies that support participants to express themselves?
• ‘Go with the flow’ for flexible and proactive support of participants?
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of YouQuest participants

Email volunteer@youquest.ca for more information.