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Katie 9th Oct 2019 Activity Coordinator
Hi all,

I work as a coordinator on an Older Persons Unit (three inpatient wards) in a hospital. I look after 26 volunteers most with no prior experience of volunteering or working with patients with dementia. I work very closely with the volunteers and provide tips/advice etc. In our anonymous surveys sent out they are all happy with the role and feel valued which is great. However, many would like further training on how to support patients with dementia.

Does anyone have any resources that you can share? Videos/websites/ways of running the training?

Thanks in advance
Susan 11th Oct 2019 Activity Director
This site has a lot of information about dementia
https://www.goldencarers.com/comments/5739/
https://www.goldencarers.com/dementia-program---weekly/3281/
https://www.goldencarers.com/two-minutes-activities-for-dementia-care/4889/
Solange 13th Oct 2019 Diversional Therapist
Hi, Katie, you are doing a wonderful job. How wise of you to have a survey. Here is one tip to further volunteers’ duties/responsibilities; make them acquainted with residents’ profiles to find out what hobbies/interests, and travel/job experiences they had. Explain to the volunteer as to the ‘why’ this role is so important to residents (e.g. to affirm a life well-lived, to lend an ear, to lift the ‘blues’, and how they can use their experience and time to make a difference.) Volunteers can then prepare interesting 1:1 visits to talk about subjects of each individual’s passion/concerns. Your part in helping the volunteer to visualize the relevance of the activity can create enthusiastic compliance and further their feelings of being part of the team. Good luck and congratulations!
Donna 15th Oct 2019 Volunteer
Some web-sites to look at as a resource is Alzheimer'sSociety.com, BCAlzheimersSociety.com; I know you are looking for dementia resources' not just Alzheimers, but those sites are for dementia (not just Alzheimers). They support you by giving you more information about how to work with a difficult client, other things to expect and different ways to handle the situation. They are great in mailing you prepared literature on various topic.
Other web sites I would look into are those of companies that provide education / skills for those entering the careers of Home Care. Here is one popular site PAID TRAINING - Home Support Worker
CarePartners - Owen Sound, ON
SUMMARY:
CarePartners is offering a PAID opportunity to receive training and skills needed to work as a Regular Part-Time Home Support Worker (HSW).

Training begins November 12th, 2019 in Owen Sound,ON. and includes:

PAID in-class education with a Nurse instructor
PAID job shadowing with a Personal Support Worker Preceptor
3 days of PAID company orientation

WHY CHOOSE CAREPARTNERS:
Paid KMs PLUS travel time
Uniform Allowance
Mobile Device
Comprehensive benefits package
Employee Assistance Program

RESPONSIBILITIES:
CarePartners HSWs provide professional, compassionate care in homes and residences in the community. HSWs assist with activities of daily living, allowing patients and families to live life to the fullest with dignity and independence:

Bathing, showering, personal hygiene
Bowel/bladder care
Dressing
Meal preparation
Transferring/repositioning
Light housekeeping
Socializing and companionship
CarePartners welcomes and encourages applicants from people with disabilities, accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the hiring process.
Under the circumstances I believe CarePartners would mail you a more detailed copy of their lesson plans etc.
You have a lot of courage venturing into this.

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