Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) Volunteer

NORTH WELLINGTON HEALTH CARE

(LOUISE MARSHALL HOSPITAL & PALMERSTON AND DISTRICT HOSPITAL)

HOSPITAL ELDER LIFE PROGRAM (HELP) VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

POSITION SUMMARY: 
The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) welcomes volunteers who wish to assist in improving the quality of care and experience for older adults during hospitalization. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work closely with the HELP team and contribute to the success of the program. Volunteers will help to create a friendly environment by providing support, encouragement and companionship, while providing four main interventions: Orientation, Meal Assistance, Early Mobilization, and Therapeutic Activities.

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

• Follow the guidelines provided in the volunteer handbook and HELP volunteer training manual, and will adhere to hospital policies and procedures. 


• Interact with patients and their families, providing companionship, engagement, and assistance with non-medical activities such as reading, playing games, or listening to music. 


• Assist with meal service and encourage patients to eat and drink as appropriate. 


• Assist with patient mobility and encourage activity as appropriate. 


• Help maintain a clean and organized patient environment. 


• Attend meetings with the HELP team for updates and feedback. 


• Maintain accurate records of their volunteer hours and activities.

Volunteer Requirements: 

• Be at least 17 years of age. 


• Undergo a background check and Occupational Health screening. 


• Complete an orientation and training program provided by the HELP team. 


• Be able to commit to a minimum of 2 hours per week for at least 6 months. 


• Be reliable, punctual, and respectful of patients, families, and hospital staff. 
  


• Satisfactory Reference Checks required prior to start date.


• Must provide a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
  

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills including ability to communicate in English. Additional languages are an asset.


• Auditory skills that allow the volunteer to listen clearly.


• Ability to engage patients in conversation.


• Exercise excellent hand hygiene practices.


• Practice WHMIS safety guidelines.


• Reliability- patients rely on consistent volunteer interventions throughout their entire hospitalization.


• Observing Limitations- volunteers need to adhere to the limitations of this role, including not providing medical information or advice or interfering with a patient’s medical treatment.


• Good Judgment- volunteers need to apply good judgement, problem solve & seek support as needed given the independent nature of this position.


• Confidentiality- volunteers must maintain confidentiality regarding patient’s medical information and personal life. They are never to discuss patients with anyone except the ELS/Social Worker/hospital staff.


• Respect- volunteers need to be polite and receptive when working with patients and their families. Ask permission and explain what you are doing to help the patient feel informed.


• Due to the independent work environment and vulnerability of the patient population, HELP volunteers will be reassessed periodically. HELP may not be the best fit for every volunteer. Volunteers may be reassigned if the ELS/Social Worker or Volunteer Services Manager feel a volunteer would be better suited elsewhere.

Working Conditions:

• Physical Effort- Volunteers will have to walk between floors and patient rooms. During a three-hour shift, volunteers may need to stand for prolonged amounts of time, depending on seating availability. Volunteers should never lift or transfer patients.


• Physical Environment- Visit takes place in the hospital room of the patient. Patient areas can be congested with medical equipment and supplies. Visitors or staff may come and go during your visit with the patient.


• Sensory Attention- Active listening, as volunteers interact with patients that may have difficulties in communicating or understanding.


• Mental Stress- Communication with some patients may be difficult, as patients may have visual, cognitive or hearing difficulty. Volunteers must be mature, patient and understanding of the situation of the patients they visit. Volunteers must be comfortable working with patients independently.

Commitment: 

• Service provided on a consistent basis. 


• Minimum one 2-hour shift per week for minimum of 6 months. 


• Mon-Sun, 10-1, 1-4 or 5-8 as available and scheduled by ELS/Social Worker. 

Place of Work: 

• Louise Marshall Hospital and/or 


• Palmerston & District Hospital 

Interested applicants please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected] 

INTERNAL applicants please apply with your work email address.

EXTERNAL applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

North Wellington Health Care strives to create a respectful, accessible and inclusive work environment.  Upon individual request, the hospital will endeavour to remove any barrier to the hiring process to accommodate those candidates with disabilities.

North Wellington Health Care is committed to providing and fostering a safe, healthy and respectful workplace for all volunteers, free from violence and harassment.