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 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. RESPONSIBILTIES Visit senior client weekly - same day/time for 3 hours (Between 9am-4pm) 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 Volunteer Services staff. Visits occur in-home, small spaces PPE must be worn at all times; volunteers must continue to self-monitor throughout the volunteer shift. 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 ORIENTATION AND TRAINING: Orientation to the agency and volunteer program Role orientation including active listening, various aspects of experience of social isolation, loneliness, aging SCREENING AND SUPERVISION: Resume Application form with 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. “VHA’s team is full of amazing people who are compassionate and committed to supporting one another and to making care better for our clients and families.” - Kathryn Nichol, President and CEO, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) At VHA, we offer you opportunities to advance your career with an industry-recognized leader in care that truly values its clients and its people. Visit our Careers website for more details. Internationally educated healthcare professionals have long been an important part of VHA’s workforce - hear from some of our staff and service providers about their experience. Since 1925, VHA Home HealthCare has lent a helping hand to people in the community. As a not-for-profit charitable organization, we support seniors, families, people with disabilities and those living with chronic or terminal illness to live as independently as possible. With close to 3,000 staff and service providers - including personal support workers, nurses, rehabilitation professionals, home support workers and office support staff - we provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clients in their home and the community. At VHA, we’re passionate about the work we do, the impact we make, and about supporting our clients, communities, and each other. As a VHA team member you’ll do more than provide services to clients; you’ll build strong, long-lasting bonds and real relationships with our clients and their families. We offer high-quality, multilingual services in southern Ontario and our work environment focuses on supporting clients and staff through client-centered care, well-connected health care teams, and continual improvement. Our people are as diverse as the clients and communities we support and we value your unique talents. So, if you’re passionate about serving others and making a difference, you belong at VHA A Life-Changing Opportunity Providing better care to our clients and their families is what fuels us. And today we’re at the forefront. Through our community partnerships, innovation initiatives, and a focus on research and transformation, we are making an impact like never before. To support you and your goals, there are a range of full-time, part-time and casual positions at VHA with varying schedules to meet our clients’ needs and your own. We also try to give you an interesting mix of new and repeat clients so you can build relationships and enjoy variety. We know that our team members can provide their best care when their own needs are being met. Together, we are reimagining the future of health care. Reimagine your career with VHA. At VHA, we offer you opportunities to advance your career with an industry-recognized leader in care that truly values its clients and its people. We offer: The opportunity to join a leading charitable organization you can be proud of with over 95 years of experience providing high quality care. A stimulating, diverse, client and family-focused work environment with a variety of full-time and part time positions. We invest in our staff, offering continuous opportunities for learning, competitive compensation and paid orientation, a confidential and free Employee Assistance Program, and more. Eligible staff are also entitled to a pension plan and comprehensive benefits package. Best of all, we foster a supportive, and respectful team environment where we all thrive.
