VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers are able to provide practical assistance to our residents and to offer much valued companionship. Volunteers take pleasure in their work, seeing the difference they make in helping older people to enjoy the high standard of living they deserve.
If you are considering volunteering your services to your local care home you will no doubt have a few questions to ask:
“What can I do to help?” There are many things you can do to help as a volunteer. You can provide companionship and assistance to enable residents to make the most of their lives. You may be able to achieve this by; becoming a friend to the residents; taking them shopping and to health appointments; organising social activities; taking them out in the mini bus for short trips; bringing pets in to the home; or you may be able to suggest other activities based on your interests and hobbies.
“What does AbleCare Homes expect from it’s volunteers?” All volunteers are asked to sign a ‘volunteers agreement’ , which clearly lays out the commitment AbleCare Homes expects from them. We expect our volunteers to take a flexible approach to their work. They must be reliable and always endeavour to do what they agreed to do. They must be committed to the values by which AbleCare Homes provide care.
“How much time would I be expected to give?” The amount of time volunteers are expected to give is decided by mutual agreement between the volunteer and the Home Manager, this will be set out in the terms of their agreement.
“What will I get out of volunteering?” People benefit in many different ways by working as an AbleCare Homes volunteer. They get to put their skills to good use and have the opportunity to learn new ones; they devote their spare time to a worthy cause; they get to become part of a caring team, and they get to take pleasure in helping our residents to enjoy a comfortable, fulfilling life. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience for the individual and can also help people achieve their own aims from the opportunity to gain work experience; gain skills towards an award such as Duke of Edinburgh; to provide that extra something to enhance their CV or help them stand out in a job interview.
“Will I be paid out of pocket expenses?” We repay out of pocket expenses, such as travel costs and telephone expense subject to the normal AbleCare Homes expense claim rules.
“Will I be supported in my work?” You’ll be supported by a member of staff or other volunteers. They will meet with you regularly and you will have plenty of opportunity to talk about how you think things are going.
If you would like to apply to become a volunteer for AbleCare Homes please contact our head office or if you already know someone connected with one of our homes you can speak to the Home Manager.
