Circle of Care, a non for profit healthcare organization is searching for Hospital to Home Compassionate Care Volunteers to provide social interaction to seniors who are lonely and isolated. This is a new program injunction with Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital and Mt Sinai Hospital. Your help would be greatly appreciated! Please note this position is not in the hospital, but is in the community. 

 Overview: You will be a part of a two person team who will be assigned to a client for a maximum of 16 weeks. The team is required to: 

• Visit the senior twice per month 

 • Call them each week to ensure they are safe and secure 

• Provide medical accompaniment if available 

• Teach the client how to order groceries on line 

• Keep in touch with the staff and report any concerns 

 You should be comfortable working as part of a two person team ensuring your are meeting the needs of the client and program You make your own schedule in conjunction with the client and others on your team Training will be provided If you have a friend who is also interested, we can develop a cluster for your group.

 Qualifications: 

• Friendly, outgoing and enjoy the company of seniors 

• Have a genuine interest in impacting the lives of others 

• Become a vital link to the community for a senior who otherwise might have very limited social interaction 

• Respect a patient’s dignity and autonomy 

• Provide companionship that is respectful of a patient’s cultural and religious norms and to respect their confidentiality and privacy at all times 

• Able to recognize when it is necessary to report client concerns back to Circle of Care and not provide medical advice 

• Understand that after the 16 weeks you will be reassigned to another client in the program 

 Patients 

• Will be referred by the hospital coordinator and have the support from a member of the Circle of Care team

• Have little or no support from family or friends 

• Are isolated, alone, vulnerable and not exhibiting any aggressive behaviours

 • Will be identified as benefiting from weekly social contact from a volunteer 

• Live in a home that is safe for a volunteer to visit 

 Benefits of Volunteering: 

 • Gain experience interacting with seniors and increase your interpersonal skills 

• Give back to the community and feel good about the volunteer work you are doing 

• Increase your knowledge of the health issues that come with ageing