Character and Temperment
Key traits to be successful on our virtual visits are being outgoing, chatty, and compassionate. Many of the seniors in our program are quiet and reserved, so it is important that volunteers be able to make up the difference in the conversation. Silence can be very intimidating, and it is the volunteers’ responsibility to keep silence to a minimum. Compassion is required, since the seniors are feeling socially isolated, and often experiencing cognitive decline. This will be covered in our training.
Training
All volunteers in our program are required to participate in our specialized training. This covers dementia, communication techniques, and our expectations of the volunteers.
Once that training is completed, volunteers will be invited to role-specific training. For the virtual visits, this includes a one hour simulated call with two other volunteer trainees, a volunteer trainer, and someone role-playing as a senior with cognitive decline.
Weekly Commitment
Once training is successfully completed, volunteers will receive notifications about weekly virtual visits. Visits occur at the same day and time each week with the same senior. Volunteers can sign up for a weekly visit, but must be available for an extended number of weeks to attend the calls. If the volunteer is only available for a limited amount of time, they will not be allowed to join the visit. Each visit lasts up to an hour, and volunteers are expected to arrive online five minutes prior to the call, so that the senior does not arrive to an empty room. When volunteers anticipate that they will not be able to continue at the given time/day, they must provide us with three weeks notice, so that we can find their replacement and avoid disrupting the senior’s experience.
Feedback
After each visit, volunteers are required to submit a feedback form. This form provides valuable feedback about what is occurring on the visits, and allows the volunteer to voice any concerns or suggestions for improving the experience.
