Opportunities From: iVolunteer Powered by United Way British Columbia

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: CAREGIVER MENTOR

Intent:  the volunteer supports and assists caregivers to fulfill their roles caring for their loved ones as well as maintaining their own self-care. The volunteers will preferably be experienced caregivers (current or former) who will mentor their less experienced peers.

The mentors will share caregiving knowledge, resources and experiences to guide their mentees in their new caregiving role. They will structure the mentoring contacts as works for both themselves and their mentee and as they determine to be beneficial.  Ideal volunteers will be friendly and caring and be interesting in mentoring and providing emotional support. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Meet with caregiver mentees individually in-person or by phone

• Provide a listening ear, guidance, recommendations, and suggestions for problem solving and/or for specific assistance

• Share knowledge of health and social service information/ resources and other topics of benefit to caregivers

• Encourage caregivers to develop specific skills and knowledge that will improve their performance as caregivers

• Accept peers where they currently are with their life and skills in a non-judgmental manner 

• Provide approachable, warm and courteous relationships 

• Build trusting relationships and work towards mutual giving and receiving amongst peers

 

Ideal Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

• Current or previous caregiver/previous experience with caregiving

• Strong communication and listening skills

• Maintain collaborative relationships

• Uphold a positive, caring, and empathetic attitude

• Ability to commit to scheduling 4 mentor hours per month in-person or by phone (according to your schedule)

 

Interests:

• Mentorship

• Teaching/Coaching

• Health & Well-Being

• Developing new relationships

 

Rewards:

• Meeting interesting older adults

• Preventing isolation of caregivers

• Making a difference for caregivers without support

• Sharing your wisdom can help another caregiver's experience improve

• Being a good listener makes a huge difference in a caregiver's life

 

Abbotsford Association for Healthy Aging – abbycaregivers@gmail.com  

Deirdre Miles 604.768.5421

 

 

Our program is supported by:

United Way BC  

Family Caregivers of British Columbia

                                                     

 

Role

To provide transportation for seniors to and from social activities with the Abbotsford Association for Healthy Aging.

Duties

Arrive at client’s home as scheduled in agency vehicle. Enter clients' homes, if needed, to give necessary mobility assistance from home to vehicle. Engage in conversation with client. Drive clients back home, assist with mobility as necessary. Report any issues/concerns to manager.

Qualifications

Competent navigator Ability to understand and be understood in English Good interpersonal skills: friendly, outgoing, courteous, patient Ability to work independently Capacity to maintain confidentiality Able to communicate in a clear and effective manner Punctual and reliable Be in good physical and mental health Be physically able to assist clients if required Able to consistently drive defensively and obey traffic laws and speed limits. Willingness to drive without distractions

Requirements

 

 

Have access to a phone Driver’s License – a copy is required. Upon renewal, new copy is required. Criminal record check mandatory. Clean driving record Provide reference checks Have a minimum five years of driving experience Calling in if unable to make it for a scheduled shift Drivers must have a current driver’s license and abstract

Commitment

Minimum 6 months commitment Activities scheduled Monday – Friday, 9am-4:30pm (occasional evenings).

Training

Site orientation Additional training as required

 

Rewards:

• Meeting interesting older adults

• Preventing isolation of seniors

• Making a difference for those dependent on these social gatherings for social contact

Summary:

1. To help run a weekly seniors social group, held Monday and/or Thursday mornings
2. To provide an opportunity for senior adults to socialize and connect
3. To create connections between individuals

Duties and Responsibilities:

Volunteers will help serve coffee and tea and snacks to seniors.

Volunteers will make seniors feel comfortable and help new participants link with others.

Volunteers will inform the Manager of any concerns.

Requirements:

Interest in connecting with older adults in a community setting.

Volunteer will attend any required orientation and training sessions. 

 

Rewards:

• Sharing your time prevent isolation in older adults

• You create a trusting relationship that allows seniors to feel someone cares

• Meeting interesting older adults and hearing their stories and experiences

• Facilitating new friendships among older adults

Summary:

1. To provide a listening ear and friendly support to isolated/lonely seniors that are living in our community,
2. To provide opportunities for senior adults to contribute to the community in a meaningful way,
3. To create connections between individuals, resources, and community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Volunteers will receive client contact information including any background information about their potential client. Confidentiality must always be respected and adhered to.

Volunteers, with the Manager, will make an initial contact with their client and within a week of that contact connect again to set a mutually convenient time for visits and/or calls.

Volunteers will regularly visit their assigned clients, usually at least once per week.

Volunteers will inform the Manager of any unusual occurrences immediately.

Volunteers will inform the Manager if unable to fulfill their connections for any reason, including incompatibility.

Requirements:

Interest in connecting with isolated older adults in the community.

Potential volunteers will be interviewed by the Manager, undergo a criminal record review, and provide two references.

Volunteer will attend any required orientation and training sessions. 

 

Rewards:

• Sharing your time helps isolated older adults

• You create a trusting relationship that allows seniors to feel someone cares

• Meeting interesting older adults and hearing their stories and experiences