VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us: “Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home.” Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, “The freedom and flexibility can’t be beat.” Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs. Team members tell us “I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home.” View more comments from our clients and their family members Social isolation and loneliness are growing concerns that significantly impact the health and well-being of seniors. Social interaction has been shown to improve mood, enhance quality of life and avoid detrimental events such as falls, hospitalization and premature morbidity. Seniors Visiting Volunteers will play a role in addressing social isolation and loneliness among seniors through social interaction. Volunteers will visit seniors in a facility setting and engage in meaningful conversation and when deemed appropriate, gentle activity such as games, puzzles, and cards. The facility in east Toronto is a 24/7 inpatient facility supporting frail seniors at risk. All volunteers must self-screen before arriving on the unit and on entry into the unit. Volunteers must follow IPAC guidelines on hand hygiene, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Use of PPE will be reviewed and monitored by the unit manager. AREA SERVED: East Toronto RESPONSIBILTIES Visit seniors weekly - same day/time for 4 hours (Weekdays; 9:30am – 1:30pm) Engage in meaningful conversation with seniors/residents Engage in simple, gentle activities when deemed appropriate such as games, puzzles, cards Must be sensitive to clients with cognitive impairment; hearing and vision needs; clients high risk for falls Volunteers must follow the direction of the unit manager/supervisor in the event of an emergency or urgent clinical need that may take priority over volunteer activities Volunteers must report any client-related concerns or changes to the supervisor/manager onsite Volunteers must follow all health and safety procedures, emergency procedures, policies, procedures and boundaries Volunteers must check in and Out with the unit manager or floor supervisor on arrival and before leaving Volunteers must commit to a regular, ongoing schedule TIME COMMITTMENT 4 hours plus travel time per week Visits are weekly, on weekdays, 9:30am – 1:30pm Able to commit for minimum of 24 weeks WORKING CONDITIONS Visits occur in a congregate setting with frail seniors in Toronto, East. SKILL REQUIREMENT Related experience caring for older adults/seniors Strong oral communication skills Strong active listening skills Friendly and caring attitude Experience and sensitivity to working with culturally diverse individuals and families Creativity in planning and implementing gentle activities when appropriate Previous volunteer experience, engaging socially with seniors, an asset Understanding of the aging process, impact of aging on the individual and family an asset Background in gerontology, social work, social services an asset BENEFITS Volunteers are supported through orientation, training, (online and in person) meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one support. Career-related experience. We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged & rewarded. Opportunities to meet new people. Develop social and professional networks. Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. Gain valuable work experience to build your resume. Support your community. Enhance clients' lives and deliver life-changing supports and services. Verification letter upon request following 100 hours of volunteer service. Program Assistant or/Coordinator or/Supervisor will be available for feedback and support. Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEI At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience. VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply. “VHA’s team is full of amazing people who are compassionate and committed to supporting one another and to making care better for our clients and families.” - Kathryn Nichol, President and CEO, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) At VHA, we offer you opportunities to advance your career with an industry-recognized leader in care that truly values its clients and its people. Visit our Careers website for more details. Internationally educated healthcare professionals have long been an important part of VHA’s workforce - hear from some of our staff and service providers about their experience. Since 1925, VHA Home HealthCare has lent a helping hand to people in the community. As a not-for-profit charitable organization, we support seniors, families, people with disabilities and those living with chronic or terminal illness to live as independently as possible. With close to 3,000 staff and service providers - including personal support workers, nurses, rehabilitation professionals, home support workers and office support staff - we provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clients in their home and the community. At VHA, we’re passionate about the work we do, the impact we make, and about supporting our clients, communities, and each other. As a VHA team member you’ll do more than provide services to clients; you’ll build strong, long-lasting bonds and real relationships with our clients and their families. We offer high-quality, multilingual services in southern Ontario and our work environment focuses on supporting clients and staff through client-centered care, well-connected health care teams, and continual improvement. Our people are as diverse as the clients and communities we support and we value your unique talents. So, if you’re passionate about serving others and making a difference, you belong at VHA A Life-Changing Opportunity Providing better care to our clients and their families is what fuels us. And today we’re at the forefront. Through our community partnerships, innovation initiatives, and a focus on research and transformation, we are making an impact like never before. To support you and your goals, there are a range of full-time, part-time and casual positions at VHA with varying schedules to meet our clients’ needs and your own. We also try to give you an interesting mix of new and repeat clients so you can build relationships and enjoy variety. We know that our team members can provide their best care when their own needs are being met. Together, we are reimagining the future of health care. Reimagine your career with VHA. At VHA, we offer you opportunities to advance your career with an industry-recognized leader in care that truly values its clients and its people. We offer: The opportunity to join a leading charitable organization you can be proud of with over 95 years of experience providing high quality care. A stimulating, diverse, client and family-focused work environment with a variety of full-time and part time positions. We invest in our staff, offering continuous opportunities for learning, competitive compensation and paid orientation, a confidential and free Employee Assistance Program, and more. Eligible staff are also entitled to a pension plan and comprehensive benefits package. Best of all, we foster a supportive, and respectful team environment where we all thrive.