Volunteer Companion Program
The Volunteer Companion Program is an in-home support service that uses trained volunteers to provide relief to caregivers of someone in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
Volunteers offer approximately two hours of friendly visiting each week on a regular basis.
All of our volunteer services are provided free of charge as they are part of our mandate to support those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in our community.
The same volunteer visits each week so that over time the volunteer and the person with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia develop a trusting friendship.
Benefits of the program
For families
- provides a break for the caregiver allowing them some free time
- a new friendship for their loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia
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For volunteers
- Valuable skills and experience from visiting an individual with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia
- A positive contribution to the well-being of a family
- A unique and challenging volunteer experience
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About our volunteers
- Must be 19 years of age or older
- Able to commit to at least two-hours per week for a minimum of one year
- Full training and ongoing support is provided and prior experience with Alzheimer’s disease is not necessary
- People who are patient, caring, friendly, and dependable with excellent interpersonal skills
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Volunteer Screening
- Volunteers must participate in an extensive screening process including interviews, reference checks, a Police Records Check and Vulnerable Position Screening
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Volunteer Orientation
- Volunteers must successfully complete the Alzheimer Information Series, which is a training course that provides an understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and how to care for those affected
- Volunteers are matched with families based on similar interests, geographic location, and schedules
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Contact us for more information
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