Short Opportunity Description:

Volunteers are needed to interact with residents on a specialist Dementia wing in a busy Care home in Ascot.

Responsible to: Lead Clinical Nurse of Treetops Wing

Location: Lynwood Residential Care Home, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 0AJ

General Duties and Responsibilities:  Volunteers will have the opportunity to interact with residents in a variety of different ways. Volunteers are encouraged to use their own skills and knowledge whilst volunteering with the residents.

Any of the below:

• One to one chats - looking at pictures, magazines, photos which can generate conversations
• Reminiscing about the past and about the resident's past
• Playing simple games
• Listening to music. Singing together. Musical games and movement
• Poetry reminiscence and reading together
• Making scrapbooks for general use on the unit or for special interest of a resident
• Playing musical instruments for them
• Painting, papercraft or other forms of craftwork
• Enjoying a tea party with the resident
• A simple activity such as sitting with someone and holding their hand can make a big difference

Opportunities are not limited to what is on this list. If you have an idea for an activity then please let us know

Volunteer Specification:

• Kind and patient - doing things at the residents pace which may be very slow
• Be able to respond appropriately to feelings and emotions as the residents can no longer retain facts
• Remain calm and understanding in difficult situations
• Enjoy talking, listening and singing with the resident
• Being adaptable and treating all residents as individuals despite their illness
• Be willing to commit to weekly visits as this will help to build relationships with the residents, families and staff
• Be warm and caring
• To be able to have fun with the residents!

Hours:

Flexible. We would look for a weekly commitment although there is no specified time frame. The most appropriate times to visit the residents would be late morning or in the afternoons.

Training:

• Training in safeguarding and dementia awareness will be given to all new volunteers
• Ongoing training when needed
• Ongoing support from all members of staff

Reimbursement of Expenses:

• Reasonable travel expenses to and from Lynwood
• Any other as agreed by Matron

Please apply to Volunteering Office on 01344 294719 or email volunteering@ben.org.uk