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Council on Aging. Volunteer Orientation. July 2006. Council on Aging. The Council on Aging is located at 1168 Drouillard Road in Windsor (519) 971-9217 Office hours are from 9 am to 5 pm
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Council on Aging Volunteer Orientation July 2006 Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Council on Aging • The Council on Aging is located at 1168 Drouillard Road in Windsor (519) 971-9217 • Office hours are from 9 am to 5 pm • Free parking is available in the side parking area of the Gino Marcus Community Centre building (towards the back of the lot). Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Council on Aging • The COA was formed out of concern over the need for communication between individuals, agencies and organizations interested in the issues of the aging and the needs of seniors. • The Council runs various programs related to seniors. • The Council is directed by a President, Board of Directors and Executive Director. Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Council on Aging • The COA develops, facilitates, and maintains programs such as: Falls Prevention Education and Network, Friendly to Seniors and Community Education. • Volunteer opportunities include: public speaking, Friendly to Seniors assessors, holiday gift wrapping at Tecumseh Mall, special events, and clerical work • Volunteers for gift-wrapping are recruited as early as October Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Reasons to Volunteer • Helping and assisting seniors in our community • Developing skills and knowledge of seniors and senior issues • Meeting new people and having different experiences • Contributing to the community • Sharing skills, knowledge, and interests with others Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Volunteer Information • Volunteers are needed according to demand and opportunities available • Volunteering is typically in 2-4 hour blocks • Holiday gift-wrapping is done in 4 hour shifts • Having your own reliable method of transportation is an asset Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Volunteer Responsibilities • Learn about the Council on Aging • Give feedback to the organization on the effectiveness of the program • Be prompt and reliable • Accept guidance and work well with others • Stay within the bounds of volunteer responsibilities and limitations Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
COA Responsibilities • Provide ongoing training and orientation where appropriate • Provide accurate and detailed information e.g. scheduling, work description • Provide the name of the person in charge of each specific activity/program • Provide appropriate placements based on skills, abilities, feasibility and interests • Provide feedback and have open communication Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Accountability • Volunteers are accountable to the volunteer coordinator or designate • Volunteer coordinator/designate is responsible to the Executive Director • Executive Director is responsible to the COA Board Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Conduct and Demeanor • Recognize seniors’ privacy and confidences • Respect varying cultural and economic backgrounds, gender or disability • Remain impartial and nonjudgmental • Remember that you are representing the COA • Be respectful, considerate and cooperative Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Absence Policy • In the event that a volunteer cannot keep their commitment, they should let the responsible staff know as soon as possible so that a replacement can be arranged. • Information on who to contact and how will be provided with respect to specific volunteer activities. Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Students (Gift Wrapping) • Provide the COA with your contact information including your complete address and school name • Volunteer hours will be credited • Bring your volunteer record sheet with you • Volunteer hours are scheduled, if you want more hours or need to change your scheduled time contact the COA office at (519) 971-9217 or fallsprevention@councilonaging.ca • Schools will be notified if students do not show up for scheduled shifts Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Home Falls Risk Assessment Volunteers will provide safety information in an assessment/checklist format to seniors, caregivers and the general public e.g. scatter mats, lighting, stairs, pathways and other environmental concerns • Volunteers must be 18 and over • Training will be provided • Police Clearance required (forms available at the COA) Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Working with Staff • Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions about their assigned activities • Staff members, other volunteers, and the general public will be treated with respect • COA staff or their authorized stand-in will provide volunteers with direction and supervision Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Presentation Skills • Interest in promoting seniors safety • Comfortable with public speaking and dealing with the public in a positive manner • Ability to work independently • Good communication skills Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Information • Volunteers at the Council on Aging are always important and very much appreciated. • For any questions, simply call us at (519) 971-9217 or e-mail at council@windsor.igs.net Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County