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By Susan White-Bona
Volunteer Coordinator 
The fall season is the busiest time for inquiries about our volunteer
program. The majority of phone calls come from high school students curious
about what it takes to become a volunteer. The students typically inquire
about time commitment and roles. During these calls, I explain as much as
possible. If a student is interested in this kind of experience, we set up
an interview. As
this is a health care and unionized environment, we have a formal program in
place. Becoming a volunteer in this environment is complex. One needs to
commit to at least a six month period because it takes time to become
familiar with the facility, staff, and residents.
The typical steps to becoming a volunteer are: |  |
an interview | | |
an application with reference checks | | |
a screening process | | |
the candidate receives a manual to read and keep as a reference |
Orientation
is usually provided in a group setting. Each volunteer must read,
understand, and sign four forms. The most important is the confidentiality
form. In addition, I highlight topics in the manual and answer their
questions. We practice "wheelchair etiquette." The volunteer learns how to
approach residents who might have sensory and cognitive loss, and learn how
to safely push a resident in a wheelchair. I introduce the volunteer to our
recreation program, the staff, and most importantly, some of our residents.
Assignments are offered depending on their interests and schedule. I
believe it is important for people to know how residents come to live at
Inglewood. The residents have chronic illnesses, and when the level of care
becomes more than the family can cope with, the case worker recommends
long-term care of their loved one. As well as physical illness, many
residents have dementia. The volunteer must be aware of these situations and
the therapeutic environment provided for our residents and their families.
The Inglewood Care Centre can be a wonderful place for the students to visit
and share their time, talents, and to learn about living in a long-term care
facility. The majority of our residents enjoy seeing, and being involved
with, our young volunteers. The experience can change one's life in a very
positive way!
At the end of summer, just such a change came about. We thanked three of our
university volunteers and said 'good-byes' (for now). Two moved to study at
out-of-province universities: one at Queens; and, the other at McGill.
The third volunteer is living is living on-campus at the University of
British Columbia. Two plan to study medicine. Part of what I like to do as a
Volunteer Coordinator is to help them on their journey. I do so by writing
reference and scholarship letters on their behalf. I
was delighted to read in a recent issue of our local community newspaper
that one of these volunteers was featured as a scholarship winner. She cited
her volunteer experience at Inglewood, and her goal of studying medicine,
and "specializing in geriatrics." She helped to enrich and enhance the
quality of life of our residents and staff. As with all three, I hoped they
learned and enjoyed their time with us.
Volunteer News
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Canada celebrates National Volunteer Week from April 18th
to the 24th, 2005. We at Inglewood
Care Centre have the chance to recognize and say “thank you”
to our community roster of ‘87’ volunteers, all part of the
Volunteer Program.
In 2005, our Inglewood volunteers averaged ‘151+’ visits and
donated ‘226+’
hours per month. Some of their activities included:
visiting; medical and shopping escorts; looking after the Tuck Shop;
assisting in the SCU over lunch; entertaining; assisting the
Recreation Staff; and leading discussion and writing groups.
We currently have nine (9) volunteers from St. John Dog Therapy and
B.C. Pets and Friends who visit weekly with their dogs.
Thank you to all our volunteers and the ten (10) members of our
Family and Community Advisory Board for your contributions.
And we extend special congratulations to the Writers Group which
just celebrated their 9th
Anniversary. Elspeth and Norma have a loyal contingent of
eight (8) members who never miss a Thursday morning session.
There are other community people and groups who assist us in various
ways. A special thanks to those wonderful ladies, Sally and
Kerry, for spear‑heading the events which led up to the creation of
the Manor garden. And thanks as well to the West Vancouver
Garden Club for all their involvement last summer. We are
fortunate to have active Churches and spiritual volunteers who
organize services, hymn sings, and do one‑to‑one visiting with our
residents. The younger visitors are the Brownies, Girl Guides,
the day care and school children. There is never a shortage of
residents when these children visit. Various community bands
and orchestras, choirs and choruses, dance troupes, and individuals
have shared their talent and music with us on a regular basis.
We are so fortunate to live and work in a community which has a rich
and active history of sharing and caring. We, Inglewood and
the Resident Council, are planning to hold a special event in the
near future. Should you wish to know more about our Volunteer
Program, and to become involved, please call Susan at
604‑913‑4730.
Susan White‑Bona
Coordinator of Volunteers |
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