Why Participate?
- Receive companions (volunteers) from the program
- Companions become formal volunteers for the organization
- Companions will have received training
- Reduced on-boarding time
Opportunity
- Receive trained volunteers that will visit older adults and/or individuals living with dementia on a weekly basis.
Setting
- Long term care homes
- Retirement homes
- Community Services
Requirements
- Allows volunteers to follow the core tenents of the EntourAGE program (e.g., 1-on-1 interaction).
- Provide volunteers with organization-specific training (if applicable).
- Have staff on-site that can answer volunteers’ questions (if needed).
Key Elements
Certification: Volunteers receive 4 – 6 hours of online training on dementia, communication and their role as a companion.
Matching: Volunteers will be matched as companions to older adults and/or individuals living with dementia based on their language preference, availability and similar interests among other factors.
Reduced on-boarding time: Volunteers acquire relevant documentation (e.g., police check) before they are matched with the organization.
Support & Coaching: Monthly sessions are provided for volunteers to learn about dementia, hear from experts, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.
