VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
Warman Mennonite Special Care Home Vision and Mission
Values
Team work : together | involved | sharing | harmony
"What you have done for each other you have done for me."
(Matthew 25)
Caring : compassion | love | respect
"To fulfill the new commandment: That ye love one another:
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this
shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love
one to another." (John 13:34.35)
Supportive environment
To be accountable in how we do business.
Confidentialily
Partnership
Goals
To make the best home possible for our residents.
To create the best working environment possible for all staff.
To encourage an environment where volunteers can find meaningful
opportunities to share their gifts, talents, and abilities.
Volunteers Make a Difference
As a volunteer, you contribute immensely to the quality of life of the residents and to the quality of working life of people employed in the home.
This handbook is intended to support you in carrying out your volunteering role by providing information and skills that you will need.
Why is Orientation for Volunteers Important?
Because Volunteers are an important part of providing a safe, comfortable, home environment for residents!
Orientation
Volunteers could be asked about (or observed), in relation to helping residents with activities such as:
Escorting Residents
Mealtime Assistance
Communication techniques to meet resident needs
Techniques to approach residents with responsive behaviours
Resident safety, reporting accidents, accidents and missing residents
Wheelchair Safety
Confidentiality
WMSCH encourages volunteers to serve in the Special-Care Home.
1. WMSCH has a coordinated volunteer program.
2. Ensures the orientation/training of volunteers.
3. Screen volunteers according to the volunteer's role and level of contact with residents.
4. Ensures volunteer activities within the special-care home are defined and in harmony with objectives.
Volunteers need:
1. New volunteers require an application form and approval from volunteer coordinator.
2. A criminal record check.
3. Be aware of procedures required for their tasks.
4. Be aware of the applicable "Regulations for Volunteers" that apply to you.
Regulations for Volunteers
Abusive Behaviour, Accidents, or unusual incidents
If you witness an abusive behaviour or accidents such as a fall please report this to a staff member.
Appearance
Clothing should be sensitive to the residence expectations, and be clean and good repair. Foot wear should be closed toed. Scents and perfumes should not be used.
Privacy/Confidentially
You may not take any recording or photographs without staff approval. Conversation and resident behavior should be kept confidential within the WMSCH.
Gifts
Volunteers must not accept any monetary gifts from residents.
Personal Property
WMSCH can not assume any responsibility for personal property.
Sickness, Immunizations
It is recommended that all volunteers get the seasonal flu shot (Influenza Vaccine) every year. Volunteers 65 years and old may also want to consider the Pneumococcal Vaccine.
Falls
Do not attempt to stop a resident from a fall, but rather slow the speed and impact. Contact staff for assistance. Volunteers are not permitted to assist with getting a resident upright.
Wandering
Some residents may be prone to wander.
The WMSCH has locked doors with key code exit. Please ensure no resident attempts to exit when a locked door is open.
In case of fire alarm all doors will be unlocked.
Hygiene
Hand washing is the best way to prevent becoming ill!
Hand hygiene should be performed before and after resident contact, or personal items.
If you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, use the crook of your elbow.
If you are not able to wash your hands, please use the hand sanitizer that is found throughout the building.
Aggressive Behaviour
Do not force yourself away from a resident if you are grabbed. Seek help from staff by calling out. Call out a "code white" when necessary.
Fire
Know where all exits are located. Follow instructions of the staff or fire department. If you discover fire:
R - Remove those in immediate danger
E - Ensure the room door is closed
A - Activate the fire alarm (if not already done)
C - Call for help
T - Try to extinguish/control the fire if safe to do so
Escorting a Resident - Wheelchairs
-Approach resident from front corner so they may see you, and know that you are about to push them.
-If residents do not have footrests, instruct them to lift their feet to prevent injury.
-Apply both brakes when you reach your destination.
-If returning a resident from an activity, return them to the dining area (not their room)
-Wheelchair seat belts should not be undone by volunteers.
-Volunteers must not assist in transferring residents in/out of wheelchairs. Ask staff to provide assistance.
-You will need to know when to ask for staff assistance if the resident is not in the proper position,
or if he/she complains of discomfort, or there are problems with the wheelchair.
Mealtime Assistance
Your volunteer role may involve assisting in the dining room at mealtime and promoting a pleasant dining experience for residents.
This might include bringing assigned residents to and from their place or socializing with specific residents.
Communication techniques
Always be pleasant and be sensitive to the tone of voice that you are using. Always respect the senior's rights.
Seniors have a right to:
- Be treated with consideration and respect with full recognition of dignity, individuality and privacy.
- Be safe, and have adequate and timely care by personnel that are qualified to provide the services.
"Residents of nursing homes and other institutional settings have all the rights of other adults.
They do not 'leave their rights at the front door'."
A violation of civil rights of long term care residents is a form of abuse.