Volunteer - Companion

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER POSITION

How would you like to help provide additional support and friendship to selected patients and caregivers that will improve their quality of life? Come volunteer as a Companion at Cornerstone VNA and help promote the optimum level of well-being, independence, and dignity of those living in the community, by providing trusted and compassionate companionship to those in the Cornerstone VNA community.

Cornerstone VNA is currently seeking volunteers to provide home visits to homebound seniors and disabled adults. Volunteering is a wonderful way for individuals to provide support and friendship to patients and community members. We ask that you are able to commit to volunteering at least 2 hours once a week.

REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION

Good listener and effective communicator Discreet and able to keep confidences Reliable Self-initiating Physically mobile Provide own transportation Pass criminal and background checks

RESPONSIBILITIES

Individual situations differ; the following is a general framework:

Establish a basis for friendship through mutuality and trust. Provide emotional support to patient and caregiver. Provide respite care as needed. Encourage recreational or diversional activities; such as to read to, discuss articles or books, play games, write letters, share hobbies, make scrapbooks for photos and memorabilia. May provide following assists as secondary to social contact; such as light housekeeping tasks.

APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES

Volunteers CAN offer friendly visits on their regularly scheduled times. Visits may include the following activities:

Take Walks Participate in crafts Do Puzzles Listen to music Play Board Games/Cards Watch TV/Movies Conversation Respite Care Prepare snacks Reminisce & look at photos Review current events Read the newspaper Read books Write letters Provide appointment reminders Chronicle life experiences Assist with recreational activities