Friendly Visiting Volunteer Position Description

Friendly Visiting Program, Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton

FUNCTION

• To provide companionship, reduce loneliness and isolation to a person who is affected by Alzheimer's disease (or a related dementia).
  
• To support the caregiver through providing safe timely respite from their daily routine.

REPORTING TO

• Betty Batten, Friendly Visiting Coordinator

TASKS

• respect confidentiality at all times
  
• visit a person with dementia in their home through a prearranged, regularly scheduled time convenient to the family and the volunteer
• be familiar with the companion's personal background and present skills and abilities
• plan and engage in recreational activities with the person with dementia. Examples of activities include going for walks, reminiscing about "old times", playing a board game, working on crafts and having a cup of tea
  
• care for the safety of the person with dementia at all times
• participate in quarterly volunteer support meetings
• follow the Friendly Visiting Program policies and procedures
• maintain regular contact with the Program Coordinator regarding changes in the care recipient or caregiver situation
• complete required paperwork in a timeiy manner

BOUNDARIES/LIMITATIONS

volunteers do not provide:

• personal activities such as toileting, bathing and dressing
  
• housecleaning and meal preparation
  
• financial/legal/medical assistance (including administering medication)
  
• professional counseling
  
• lifting clients