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Volunteer

Handbook

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Dear Volunteer:

Welcome and thank you for choosing Name of Community as your volunteer

site! We appreciate you and the time commitment that you are giving our

community. The extra special touch that you bring is very important to our

residents and to the life of our program. We hope that you will also receive

personal satisfaction from your time with us.

We want your experience here to be both pleasant and rewarding. If you have any

questions, suggestions or comments please let us know.

Again, thank you for being a Volunteer!!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MISSION STATEMENT 4

HISTORY 3

CODE OF ETHICS 8

HOURS OF OPERATION 6

HOLIDAYS 11

INCLEMENT WEATHER 11

ORIENTATION 11

PUNCTUALITY AND ABSENCES 6

TRANSPORTATION POLICY (ADMINISTRATORS PROVIDE)

SMOKING 6

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE 7, 9

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCEDURE 8, 12, 13

SEPARATION FROM VOLUNTEERING 7, 8

CONFLICT OF INTEREST 14

DISCLOSURE OF NEWS OR INFORMATION 14

CONFIDENTIALITY OF CLIENT INFORMATION 7, 8, 14

COMPUTER, ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION POLICY 14

POSTAGE, COPY AND FAX MACHINES 14

VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTIONS (provided by individual communities)

FORMS Application 10 Volunteer Agreement /Confidentiality 8

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HISTORY OF (NAME OF YOUR COMMUNITY)

YEAR BUILT

LANDMARK DATES (ANNIVERSARIES, etc.)

GRANTS, COMMUNITY RECOGNITION

HOW YOUR LOCATION IS UNIQUE TO WESLEY WOODS

NAMES & CONTACT INFO FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

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About Wesley Woods

Wesley Woods is a nearly 60 year-old not-for-profit providing specialized geriatric housing and healthcare solutions across North Georgia. At the heart of Wesley Woods’s mission are its retirement communities. Wesley Woods operates ten retirement communities throughout north Georgia providing homes for 1,500 individuals age 62 and older. These retirement communities serve predominately low and moderate income residents, with preference given to seniors with minimal resources. We owe much of our inspiration and success to our affiliate relationships with the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, and Emory Healthcare.

OUR MISSION To help people age with grace OUR VALUES

Commitment to service and ministry, based on our faith tradition Care and compassion Commitment to Excellence and Continuous Quality Improvement Integrity and respect Health in mind, body and spirit

OUR VISION To be a leader in senior living housing, services, information, education and research support OUR PHILOSOPHY Consistent with our Judeo-Christian values, we believe:

Aging has a fulfilling purpose in life Society is strong to the extent that seniors are valued Faith development is life long

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Benefits of being a Volunteer:

1. Have the opportunity to help others who are in need.

2. Bring a smile to someone's face.

3. Meet new people.

4. Learn and teach new ski l ls .

5. Give something back to the community.

6. Gain invaluable experience.

7. Tax Deduction: mileage to and from volunteer site.

8. Experience growth, thought, and interpersonal interaction.

9. Provide positive environment.

10. And last but not least, MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE!

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Volunteer Guidel ines

Volunteering requires a personal commitment. We ask each Volunteer to give

serious thought to the demands that it might place on you.

1. GENERAL:

As a general rule, Volunteers are assigned to work at regularly scheduled times between the

hours of 8:30 am and 9:00 pm. Volunteers are expected to be prompt for their assignments

and to sign in on the sign-in sheet.

2. DRESS CODE:

Volunteers shall dress appropriately for the conditions and performance of their duties.

Jeans, shorts and tank tops are not considered appropriate dress. Shirts and blouses should be

free of tears, holes, and obscene printings. Flip-flops are not allowed.

3. ACCIDENTS: If you have an accident of any sort (i.e., dropped a glass of water, damage to property or

equipment, cause an injury to a resident, etc.) do not attempt to correct the situation

yourself. Instead, notify the Department Supervisor and the Life Enrichment Coordinator

immediately. If you witness an accident, it should be immediately reported.

4. INJURY or ILLNESS:

Should you sustain an injury while volunteering, immediately report it to the Department

Supervisor and the Coordinator of Activities. All injuries must be documented as soon as

possible.

If you become ill while volunteering, notify your supervisor.

5. SMOKING: Volunteers may smoke in designated smoking areas more than 25 feet from any entrance to

a Wesley Woods Community.

6 . GIFTS:

Volunteers will not accept money or gifts of any value from residents or their families. Should

someone offer you money, explain that you are not allowed to accept it.

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7. EM ERGENCIES : All volunteers are to review the Emergency Guidelines with the Life Enrichment Director.

8. DISMISSAL:

Any volunteer may be dismissed at any time by the supervising staff member for not following guidelines and/or procedure.

9 . VOLUNTEERS CANNOT: Possess firearms, weapons, explosives or dangerous materials while on the grounds

of any Wesley Woods Community.

Disclose confidential information or records.

Be disruptive, discourteous or have irregular behavior that adversely affects residents, employees or visitors.

Solicit employment of any kind for family, relatives or friends. (see Conflict of Interest Policy)

Perform duties in, an irresponsible, careless or unsafe manner, or display behavior not conducive to a safe and healthful work environment.

Have possession of or use, any controlled substance, illegal drugs or alcohol.

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VOLUNTEER CODE OF ETHICS

As a Volunteer:

I am donating my time, services and energies to the Wesley Woods Senior Living

Community. I understand that I must sign in and out to allow volunteer service

tracking.

I understand that this Wesley Woods campus is a Drug/Alcohol-Free workplace. I will

use good judgment about reporting for duty if I am taking medication that could impair

my ability to do my assignment.

I will keep confidential matters confidential. I will not discuss anything that I may hear

or read regarding any residents, business dealings or strategies involving this community.

I will endeavor to make my work of the highest quality while upholding the Traditions and

Standards of Wesley Woods.

I will volunteer with an attitude of open-mindedness and a willingness to be trained for the

task that I am assigned and will accept supervision graciously.

I will conduct myself with dignity, courtesy, and consideration.

If I have any problems, criticisms, or suggestions I will take them to the Life

Enrichment (Activities) Coordinator or other designated staff member.

I understand that I am restricted from giving any medication or medical advice to any

resident.

I understand that I am not to help a resident in or out of bed or a wheelchair

or up from the floor if they should fall.

I have received and carefully read the Volunteer Handbook.

I hereby release Wesley Woods, its officers, agents and employees from any and all

liability claims arising from bodily injuries or property damages sustained by me as a

result of my volunteer service.

Signature ____________________________________ Date ____________

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VOLUNTEER SKILLS AND INTERESTS CHECKLIST Please check the items of interest to you.

____ Assist with administrative tasks

____ Coordinate music entertainment for all residents

____ Coordinate special events (pet therapy, entertainment, gardening, etc.)

____ Play a musical instrument or sing with individuals or groups

____ Become a Volunteer Driver

____ Escort residents on scheduled trips

____ Provide reading to the visually impaired

____ Call BINGO (day/time__________/__________)

____ Conduct classes (computers, crafts, painting, dance, etc.)

____ Coordinate games (checkers, shuffle board, bridge, etc.)

____ Assist residents with gardening needs in and outside their apartment

____ Provide assistance in the Library

____ Provide assistance with grocery shopping

____ Assist with regularly scheduled activities

____ Visit with residents on an individual basis

____ Assist residents with letter writing

____ Provide “manicures” – nail polishing

____ Assist residents with indoor gardening needs

____ Provide activities to stimulate reminiscence

____ Provide current events information in group setting

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ADULT VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

PERSONAL DATA: DAT'E: __________________ Ms. Miss _____________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Last First Middle

Street _________________________________________________________ Apt.# ____________________

City _______________________________________ State ______________________ Zip _________

Home Business or Date of Phone _____________________________ Cell Phone _____________________ Birth ________________

Occupation Email Address: ____________________________

Business Address ________________________________________________________________________

In case of an emergency, please contact: ______________________________________________________

Relationship ___________________________________________ Phone _________________________

EDUCATIONAL / SERVICE DATA:

High Technical or School ____________________ College ________________Business School ________________

Have you worked in a hospital/retirement facility before? ___ If so, where? ________________________

Were you a volunteer? _________ Paid worker? _______ How long? ____________________________

Professional or work experience? ____________________________________________________________

Volunteer or Civic Experience or Affiliations ____________________________________________________

Any Church Relationship? Name: __________________________________________________________

Hobbies, Skills, Special Interest ____________________________________________________________

Foreign Language Skills? ___________________________________________________________________

PREFERENCE DATA:

Preferred Work Periods: (Please circle)

Day(s) of the Week SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT

Time(s) of the Day Morning Afternoon Evening Other ___________________ Thank You For Volunteering With Us!

Thank You For Volunteering With Us!

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VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

New volunteers shall be required to attend the new volunteer orientation within two months of their beginning date. Exceptions to this may be made by the Life Enrichment / Activities Director in cases where volunteer is not working directly with residents.

All volunteers must sign a Confidentiality Form at the orientation session.

REASONS FOR CONFIDENTIALITY:

• To protect the patient/resident and family from information they may not understand or which may cause undue stress for them.

• To protect the private relationship between the resident/resident and administrator.

• To protect volunteers and Wesley Woods from the negative and costly consequences

which could arise from resident information being revealed by unauthorized individuals.

• To protect Wesley Woods from any private business dealings or strategies being

publicized without authorization.

HOLIDAYS

Prior to accepting your volunteer position, you are requested to discuss any holidays, family vacations, etc. that you cannot be available for.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather, notify your supervisor or the community Executive Director/Administrator as soon as you determine you will not be able to come in. If bad weather occurs while you are volunteering, discuss your leaving with your supervisor prior to signing out.

HEALTH POLICY

Wesley Woods makes every effort to protect the health of its residents/residents, employees, and volunteers. Good physical and mental health is essential for good service. Volunteers should follow these procedures to maintain their own health and the health of those around them.

1. A volunteer with a sore throat, cold, or any other illness should not report for duty.

2. A volunteer who becomes ill after reporting to work should inform their supervisor that they are not well enough to remain on duty and should sign out. If medical attention is required they are to contact their private physician.

3. Volunteers should wash hands frequently.

4. Because residents may have various health conditions, such as asthma or allergies, volunteers are asked not to wear any fragrance while on duty.

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"-' .; .. ....... "'-"

I.D. BADGES

Volunteers are required to wear an identification badge at all times. These are obtained during orientation or when you begin working at (Name of Retirement Community).

SIGNING IN – SIGNING OUT

1. Volunteers are to sign in immediately upon arrival to begin work and to sign out when work is completed. Signing in and out is important for tracking your hours for awards, for tax deductions, for contacting you in case of an emergency in your family, and for security and liability reasons.

2. Always check in and out with the appropriate person in your assignment area.

SAFETY The Life Enrichment Director will give a tour of the retirement community, indicating where bathrooms, fire extinguishers and exit stairways and emergency doorways are located. If a volunteer is to assist with building evacuation practice drills, there will be a specific training and instruction regarding what they are expected to do.

Volunteer Injuries:

Your safety is our primary concern. Ascertain your ability to perform tasks and never participate in duties which have the potential for causing you injury.

Any incident or accident to yourself or a resident must be reported to your supervisor and to the Life Enrichment / Activities Director and an occurrence report filed, however minor it may seem. If you are injured or become ill in the evenings or weekends, ask the nearest staff person Ito summon a staff person to advise you or call your personal physician.

Resident Incidents:

Any incident, however minor it may seem, must be reported to the person in charge. This is crucial, even though the resident may say it is not important. Some examples:

Eyeglasses are dropped; they appear to be undamaged.

Resident slips and falls – DO NOT HELP THEM UP; report to the person in charge.

Resident “bumps" elbows or knees, appears not to be hurt.

Liquid (hot or cold) is spilled on resident or bed; appears unimportant.

All of these instances are very important and your cooperation in reporting them will be appreciated.

Visitor Incidents:

Volunteers observing a visitor sustaining an injury should encourage the visitor to report this to the administrator or Life Enrichment Director.

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RELATING TO OLDER ADULTS

a. Remember, it takes the resident longer to do everything than it does you, walking, talking (most of the time), and eating. Patience is important.

b. Residents look forward to your visits so it is good to have a regular schedule that they can count on, if at all possible.

c. As you talk with residents, it is important that you affirm some ways this person has made the world better for having been here, such as contributing their children, grandchildren, writing a book, influencing people, political stands that made a difference; the example they have been, the way they stood by someone in an illness, their church and community involvement, etc. It is okay for them to have regrets and that can be validated as okay, as long as you can move them toward something more positive about their life.

d. Call the residents by their formal titles Mr., Mrs., Ms., unless the Life Enrichment Director advises otherwise.

DEALING WITH CONFUSED, IRRATIONAL RESIDENTS

Be especially aware of the tone of voice and the facial expressions you use when communicating with confused residents. They may respond to the manner in which you say something rather than to what you actually say.

Avoid negative, stressful feedback. Most confused residents are not responsible for what they are doing!

Be aware of the need for reassurance.

Give the resident as much control as possible.

Never place a confused resident in a position of responsibility.

Try to distract a resident rather than argue with or coerce him/her.

Don't use physical force with a resident unless absolutely necessary.

Try to anticipate problems.

When asking a confused resident to do something, break down the activity into its most simple steps.

Never try to reason or argue with a confused resident.

Don't make promises that can't be kept.

Don't discuss a resident as if he/she were not present.

Don't discuss a resident in the company of other residents.

Separate the resident from his/her behavior.

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CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

The standard of behavior at Wesley Woods is that all volunteers scrupulously avoid conflicts of interest between the interests of Wesley Woods on one hand, and personal, professional, and business interests on the other. This includes avoiding potential and actual conflicts of interest, as well as perceptions of conflicts of interest. An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when a volunteer is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for that volunteer or for a relative of a volunteer.

DISCLOSURE OF NEWS OR INFORMATION POLICY The Administrator or Executive Director of _(name of community)__________________ serves as the principal contact with the news media and the spokesperson for the organization. Volunteers will not participate in public interviews or release information related to Wesley Woods without the permission of the Administrator or Executive Director. In the absence of the Administrator or Executive Director, or designee, or as part of a planned strategy, the Board President may serve as the principal contact and spokesperson with the media. Wesley Woods, donor and budget planning information as well as Board, staff and volunteer information related to any activities of Wesley Woods shall not be disclosed or released to any person or public media unless it has been previously published or otherwise made public. Questions concerning protocols for specific situations should be directed to the Administrator or Executive Director.

COMPUTER, ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION POLICY

Wesley Woods maintains computer, electronic mail (“e-mail”), telephone, voice mail and facsimile (“fax”) equipment and systems, on line internet access and other analog, digital and electronic communication and information equipment. These systems and services are referred in total as “The Wesley Woods communications system.” Information contained in any and all of the above is the property of The Wesley Woods. Volunteers may not add, run, download or install any computer software without the prior approval of the Executive Director /Administrator. Volunteers should have no expectation of privacy as to use of any e-mail or voice mail, or documents or files of information created, sent, received or stored in this communications system, either from The Wesley Woods or through remote access. Electronic communication is to be used for Wesley Woods business only and must not be offensive to anyone nor contain material that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others with regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws and ordinances. Communication Systems should not be used for personal email, Facebook, shopping, games, commercial ventures, political causes, outside activities or other non-Wesley Woods activities. Wesley Woods reserves the right to disclose volunteer electronic communication or internet improprieties to law enforcement without notification to, or permission from volunteers sending or receiving communication. This policy also encompasses any upgrades to current or future communication system acquisitions.

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POSTAGE, COPY AND FAX MACHINES

Postage, copy and fax machines are the property of The Wesley Woods and may be used for business purposes only. Personal use of these resources is forbidden without the express authorization of the Executive Director.