Volunteer, Respite and Renew Caregiver Support

VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us: “Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home.” Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, “The freedom and flexibility can’t be beat.” Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs. Team members tell us “I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home.” 

View more comments from our clients and their family members

Social isolation and loneliness are concerns that significantly impact the health and well-being of seniors, particularly those experiencing dementia. Social interaction has been shown to improve mood, enhance quality of life and avoid detrimental events such as premature morbidity.

Volunteers will play a key role in addressing social isolation and loneliness among seniors through social interaction and encouragement to engage in gentle activity when appropriate.

Volunteers are matched with 1 senior and engage in meaningful conversation, and sometimes gentle activities such as interacting through games, cards and reading. Volunteer visits support caregivers by offering respite and relief.

AREA SERVED: Toronto: North York, Downtown, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Midtown, East York, Brampton, Mississauga

RESPONSIBILTIES

• Visit senior client weekly – same day/time for 3 hours (Between 9am-4pm), Weekday

• Engage in meaningful conversation with seniors, relieving caregivers temporarily

• Engage in movement, and activities such as games, puzzles, cards when appropriate

• Must be sensitive to clients with cognitive impairment; hearing and vision needs; clients are at high risk for falls

• Focus on goals and needs of client within boundaries, policies and procedures

• Complete and submit weekly log

TIME COMMITMENT

• 3 hours plus travel time, and log time per week

• Weekdays only

• Visits must be between 9am-4pm

• Able to commit for minimum of 12 weeks; longer if possible/desired

• Volunteers can be assigned to more than one client concurrently or consecutively if desired

WORKING CONDITION:

Volunteer role is independent, reporting to and supported by VHA staff. Visits occur in-home, small spaces; volunteers must self-assess prior to each visit and continue to self-monitor throughout the volunteer shift. Assessment tool provided.

 SKILL REQUIREMENT:

• Experience supporting older adults/seniors 

• Excellent Communication Skills – oral and listening skills to create understanding where a client may have hearing loss or other needs

• Friendly and caring attitude; empathy, compassion, patience

• Experience and sensitivity working with culturally diverse individuals and families

• Previous volunteer experience an asset

• Understanding of the aging process, impact of aging on individual and family, an asset

• Understanding of dementia an asset

• Background in gerontology, social work, social services an asset

• Knowledge of community resources an asset

BOUNDARIES:

• No personal care given to client by volunteer

• Volunteers do not touch, move clients from bed or other positions or locations; no clinical work to be done by volunteers

• No exchange of personal contact information (phone, e-mails, addresses)

• No visiting or contact of any kind outside of scheduled, weekly, onsite volunteer shift

• No giving of items or food

• Keep disclosure of personal information limited; no social media engagement; no photos

• Do not accept gifts from clients; Do not give gifts

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING:

• Orientation to the agency and volunteer program

• Role orientation and training provided

 SCREENING AND SUPERVISION:

• Resume

• Application / Screening form

• 2 References

• Interview

• Vulnerable Sector Screening

• Signed Policies; Waiver; Release

• Independent and group learning 

• Reports to Supervisor on a regular basis

• Supervisor will be available for feedback and support

BENEFITS

• Volunteers are supported through orientation, training, (online and in person) meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one support.

• Career-related experience.

• We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged & rewarded.

• Opportunities to meet new people.

• Develop social and professional networks.

• Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.

• Gain valuable work experience to build your resume.

• Support your community.

• Enhance clients’ lives and deliver life-changing supports and services.

• Reference letter upon request following 100 hours of volunteer service.

• Program Assistant or/Coordinator or/Supervisor will be available for feedback and support.

Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEI

At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience. VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply.