CORANGAMARAH LIFESTYLE VOLUNTEER

Whatever area you volunteer in, you are considered a valued Volunteer to the whole of Colac Area Health; Welcome. You are asked to follow our guidelines and policies to ensure your safety and enjoyment in your volunteer experience.

AIM:

To provide support to staff in recreational activities for frail, aged and older people with a disability and support Aged Care residents in maintaining independence and emotional wellbeing.

We promote a holistic approach to care and foster high standards of accountability, honesty and integrity. Social engagement, increased activity levels, confidence and improved quality of life. We are centred on client’s needs/wants.

While doing all tasks it is integral you keep in mind the organisational core values

• Compassion
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaboration
• Accountability

Confidentiality and privacy must be observed at all times in line with signed agreements, guidelines and policy.

Report to Lifestyle Coordinator or Acting Lifestyle Coordinator  

Duties

1. Practice good hand hygiene and social distancing where possible.
2. The Volunteers role is to take direction from lifestyle staff or lifestyle coordinator. Responding to staff requests and have a can do attitude.
3. To be engaging and friendly to residents.
4. To be able to facilitate activities and if needed run the activities in a group or one on one as directed by staff such as bingo, whiteboard games, floor activities, men’s groups, card games, reading, craft, life history, outings, conversation, companionship.
5. To keep residents engaged in group setting or one on one.
6. Take direction and be with infection control guidelines (supplied by Corangamarah).
7. Ensure that you engage in behaviour that treats other staff/residents fairly, equitably and not subject to any form of discrimination or harassment. Adherence to the CAH Code of Conduct.
8. To be able to put the needs of others first and respect their choices including saying ‘No’.
9. To be pleasant to others and mindful around the areas of aging and independence.
10. Volunteers are not to push residents/patients in wheelchairs unless you have attended info session training, please get staff/porter to do this if you have not attended session.

Preferred Experience/Attributes

• Experience in Aged Care (preferable but not necessary).
• Sense of humour
• To be a ‘people person’ who can engage well with others.
• To be bright and active.
• Enjoy facilitating groups and 1:1 activities
• Friendly disposition with a high level of patience and tolerance.
• Happy to attend extra training on Aged Care – dementia, Advanced Care Plan etc.