Respite Volunteer

Description of Work
Would you like to demonstrate your gifts and talents in helping older adults and adults with disabilities in your community? Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is looking for volunteers to serve many different functions. Volunteers are essential in helping the AAAs reach as many people as possible in the designated service areas. Being a volunteer with the AAA will not only impact the lives of others but will give you a sense of purpose along with sharing your talents and compassion for helping others. Apply now and see what volunteer opportunities we have for you. We offer training needed to fulfill each volunteer opportunity. Additionally, we offer free training throughout the year to expand your knowledge and skills. We offer flexible schedules with remote and in person opportunities.

What is the Area Agency on Aging?
With more than 40 years of experience as the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the eight-county region, the Denver Regional Council of Government plans and provides comprehensive services to address the needs of the region's population of older adults and people living with disabilities. We are responsible for the establishment of a comprehensive, coordinated system of community-based supportive and nutrition services for the Denver region's older adults.

As required by the OAA, the Denver region's AAA plan on Aging (https://drcog.org/sites/drcog/files/resources/AAA-4-Year-Plan-Web-Optimized.pdf (Download PDF reader)) is carried out through programs provided directly by the AAA and through contracts with community-based agencies to provide a continuum of services. The AAA has many options to help older adults 60 , their families,
and caregivers remain independent in the community, including information and referral services, case management, transportation, home-delivered meals, senior centers, legal services and more through our network of funded providers. We are also an Aging and Disability Resource Center for Colorado (ADRC) and provide information and assistance as well as options counseling for both older adults and adults 18 living with a disability. This program helps streamline access to long-term services and supports in the community. Options counselors are available to offer personalized education and decision support around local resources for individuals and their caregivers.

Program Overview
The Caregiver Services and Support Program provides education, counseling, and resources for informal family caregivers providing care to older adults, adults living with disabilities, and people living with dementia. These positions will be under the Caregiver Services and Support team. Volunteers will be trained, scheduled, and supervised by the Volunteer Coordinator with supervision by the ADRC Manager.

Summary
This volunteer position will report PRN (as needed) based on volunteer availability and matched client need Volunteers, once trained, are paired one-on-one with older adults who live with a family caregiver. During visits, they may provide friendship, reassurance and companion-level assistance. No hands-on care is required. Respite volunteers may serve 2 – 10 hours per week and involve person-to-person relationships with the individuals served. Must be at least 18 years old to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Successful completion of application, interview, background and reference checks
• Successful completion of training
• Participate in appropriate continuing education
• Participate in annual reviews and program satisfaction surveys
• Commit to ongoing visits with a participant(s), preferred 1- year commitment
• Must treat clients with respect and dignity
• Must be dependable, self-directing, compassionate, understanding and patient
• Must be respectful and sensitive to the needs of the elderly/people with disabilities
• Must provide their own transportation to perform this position
• Must have the ability to converse effectively on the telephone, manage emergencies and work with client’s and families without direct supervision
• Must be able to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions
• Should be prompt in keeping appointments and adhering to agreed-upon schedules
• Complete timesheets and logs in a timely manner
• Need to report as soon as possible any problems or concerns to DRCOG AAA Volunteer Coordinator
• Month notice to inform the Coordinator of vacations that would necessitate a substitute. Illnesses, appts., schedule conflicts with as much advance notice as possible
• Assisting homebound clients to temporarily relieve caregiver burden and/or providing any of the below approved activities

Approved Activities

• Preparing food, planning meals, light grocery shopping, labeling/organizing food.
• Providing companionship, talking, listening, cheering up, playing games/cards, etc.
• Providing peer support.
• Fostering client contact with family and friends.
• Light shopping, doing errands.
• Writing letters, reading, and filling out forms.
• Doing light housekeeping.
• Doing light gardening.
• Making non-strenuous home repairs/weatherization improvements.

Volunteer May Not:

• Administer medications
• Assist with personal grooming, dressing or bathing
• Assist with incontinence care
• Handle money or help pay bills
• Deep clean/move heavy furniture
• Be a relative of the care recipient
• Conduct any activities not approved by the Volunteer Coordinator