Volunteer Pet Companion

Job Description

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER POSITION

How would you like to help provide additional support and friendship to selected patients and caregivers that will improve their quality of life? Come volunteer as a Pet Companion at Cornerstone VNA and help promote the optimum level of well-being, independence, and dignity of those living in the community, by providing trusted and compassionate companionship to those in the Cornerstone VNA community.

Cornerstone VNA is currently seeking volunteers with certified therapy dogs to provide home visits to homebound seniors and disabled adults. Pet Therapy Volunteering is a wonderful way for individuals and their dogs to provide support and friendship to patients and community members. All therapy dogs and handlers must be certified through Therapy Dogs International or similar organization and are asked to commit to volunteering at least 2 hours once a week. REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION:

Good listener and effective communicator

Discreet and able to keep confidences

Reliable

Self-initiating

Physically mobile

Provide own transportation

Pass criminal and background checksRESPONSIBILITIES: Individual situations differ; the following is a general framework:

Establish a basis for friendship through mutuality and trust.

Provide emotional support to patient and caregiver.

Provide respite care as needed.

Encourage recreational or diversional activities; such as to read to, discuss articles or books, play games, write letters, share hobbies, make scrapbooks for photos and memorabilia.

May provide following assists as secondary to social contact; such as light housekeeping tasks.APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES:

Volunteers CAN offer friendly visits on their regularly scheduled times. Visits may include the following activities:

Conversation

Respite Care

Prepare snacks

Reminisce & look at photos

Review current events

Read the newspaper

Read books

Write letters

Provide appointment reminders

Chronicle life experiences

Assist with recreational activities

Take Walks

Participate in crafts

Do Puzzles

Listen to music

Play Board Games/Cards

Watch TV/Movies

Full-time