Volunteers sought for opportunities in Raymond

Support needed for Seniors Mental Health Rehabilitation Program

RAYMOND — Alberta Health Services (AHS) is seeking volunteers for a number of opportunities here with the Seniors Mental Health Rehabilitation Program – Good Samaritan Prairie Ridge.

The program provides case management and recreational opportunities as well as group and individual therapy for seniors who are living with mental health issues or other medical concerns. The goal of the Seniors' Mental Health Outreach program, based out of the Good Samaritan Prairie Ridge building, is to help seniors improve their daily functioning and quality of life — thus reducing the likelihood of needing acute psychiatric care — so they can return to their own homes, communities or an appropriate care facility.

Applications are now being accepted for the following positions:

• Pet Visitation program needs furry volunteers (and their human masters) to visit with seniors. Pets can promote healing, reduce stress and assist in making meaningful connections with clients. Dogs must be certified and are required to go through an assessment process to ensure patient safety and that the pets are a good fit.
• Volunteer Visitation program seeks people who can provide companionship to clients as they chat, play games and take part in activities. These visits not only help seniors to feel less lonely, but have been shown to speed up the recovery process.
• Entertainment program needs musicians, singers, dancers, yoga instructors and others to provide sensory stimulation and brighten the lives of seniors. Music and physical activity are powerful therapeutic tools that greatly enhance the patient experience, especially for long-term care residents and others requiring geriatric services.
• Volunteer office assistants are needed to photocopy, distribute resources, answer phones, greet visitors and escort them around the facility, file papers, provide courtesy calls to families and patients, and more, all in support of staff.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and are required to commit to a minimum of four months, or 40 hours of service. Training and mentorship are provided. To apply for a volunteer position, please visit http://ow.ly/h7JA300iS3b, contact Volunteer Resources at 403-653-5252 or send an email to volunteer.raymond@ahs.ca.

The Volunteer Resources Department matches community members with the needs of programs and services at the Raymond Health Centre. Volunteers play an important role in the lives of patients as they promote respect, enhance the patient experience and quality of care and provide a compassionate and caring approach during every encounter.Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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