Here at Dorothy House we are currently looking for empathetic volunteers to provide support in the community 1:1 to carers supporting loved ones with dementia.
You will provide companionship with a listening ear for family carers, visiting them in their homes once a week over a six week period.
What you will be doing
- Visit carers in their homes or in the community on a weekly basis.
- Provide companionship and a listening ear to carers.
- Signpost carers to additional support.
- Attend a twice a year group meet up with the Admiral Nurse and fellow volunteers, to debrief and share experiences.
- Complete training required.
- Record your visits using the agreed process.
- Escalate concerns as appropriate.
- Adhere to Dorothy House policies and procedures.
- Respect and value the diversity of our patients, their relatives, carers and staff.
The skills you need
- Lived experience (personal or professional) of caring for someone living with dementia.
- To be able to actively listen without feeling a need to ‘fix it’.
- To be balanced and comfortable in your own life.
- To be empathetic, transparent and non-judgemental.
- To be willing and confident to work autonomously, with support from the Admiral Nurse.
- To have access to a car / be able to travel to carers homes.
- To be a non-smoker whilst performing your volunteer duties.
What's in it for you
- Meet new people.
- Give something back.
- Supporting more families to receive outstanding end of life dementia care.
- Full training and an induction to Dorothy House provided.
- Travel and out of pocket expenses can be reimbursed.
We are looking for 10 volunteers across the geographical area covered by Dorothy House.
Hours and days can be flexible to suit you!
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community.