Dementia Care Volunteer - Program Support & Socialization

SPRINT Senior Care; Toronto; On-site; Full time

Job description

Position Title: Program Assistant

Department:Ewart Angus Home

Department:268 Merton St (Yonge & Davisville)

Reports To:Program Activation staff, and Recreation Therapist Supervisor

Program Description:

Ewart Angus SPRINT Senior Care Homes (EASH) is a home dedicated to the full-time care of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia. The goal is to maximize the strengths of each resident while accommodating for their deficiencies.

Position Summary:

The volunteer works directly with the Program Activationist, residents, and support workers to provide a holistic approach in daily activities and programming for residents who have early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. The volunteers assist Program Staff by socializing with residents and helping facilitate program activities. The volunteer is supportive in fostering the maintenance of a client’s abilities and, where appropriate, the enhancement of those abilities through the organization of activities that are designed to stimulate and respond to the resident’s individual interests and abilities.

Quality, Health & Safety/Risk Management:

To reduce risk to clients, employees, volunteers and the agency, SPRINT Senior Care expects that all employees and volunteers will work within the mandate of their job description, and abide by the policies and procedures of the agency. Each volunteer is responsible for acting in a way that will not put themselves or others at risk.

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with the Program Activationist or Supervisor to support program delivery.
• Help prepare for program sessions (e.g., setting up for activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor activities, baking programs, trivia, etc.)
• Set up chairs, tables, and program spaces before sessions.
• Escort clients to and from program spaces as needed.
• Assist with co‑facilitating group activities alongside the Program Activationist.
• Interact and socialize with the clients.
• Provide one‑to‑one support to clients during program activities.
• Accompany and support residents during community outings and program activities alongside program staff.
• Provide one-on-one friendly visiting and socialization support to residents, fostering meaningful connections, emotional well-being, and engagement.
• Support a welcoming, inclusive, and organized program environment.
• Follow program guidelines, safety procedures, and staff instructions.
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times.
• Participate constructively and contribute to the positive image of SPRINT Senior Care in the community.
• Adhere to and participate in all SPRINT Senior Care requirements.

Time Commitment:

• Weekly Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Establish regular days and times for visiting the facility
• Volunteers should consider a three month commitment

Qualifications:

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Willingness to learn about dementia
• Willingness and ability to assist seniors with cognitive impairments
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and flexibility
• Strong team work skills
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Aptitude for focusing on the needs of an elderly person or individual with disabilities
• Capacity to be patient, understanding, and compassionate
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check required upon successful completion of the interview process