Dementia Support: Volunteer role

Thank you to University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust for sharing this role description.

Why we need your help

At any one time in the hospital we can have lots of people with Dementia in our beds and many are without the support of family. Hospitals can be a frightening place for anyone but for those with Dementia can cause increased agitation, distress and anxiety. This new role will aim to help provide the patients with some much needed support during the long days in hospital to prevent boredom and isolation leading to increased anxiety.

What you will gain from this role

• You’ll meet new people, and have the opportunity to help them in a positive way.
• You’ll be able to keep fit and active and help as part of a team.
• You will be instrumental in helping patients with Dementia.
• You’ll receive support and training from staff within the area.

What does a Dementia Volunteer do?

• As a Dementia volunteer for you may be helping with some or all of the following;
• Visiting identified Dementia inpatients to provide company and support them to express their needs by actions such as assisting them to complete ’ Getting to know you leaflets'.
• Supporting specifically identified patients with Dementia with activities such as doing jigsaws or looking at pictures and using the provided ward based activities.
• Replenishment of Dementia Activity boxes on wards and departments.
• Other tasks that are identified through discussion with Dementia Lead Nurse within a volunteers remit.
• Buy a paper for the person or take someone outside in the wheel chair for fresh air

What we won’t ask you to do

• You won’t be providing clinical care to patients (ie. doing the tasks which the staff have been trained to do).
• You won’t be asked to physically help patients or push them in wheelchairs without relevant training.
• We won’t ask you to carry heavy loads.
• You won’t be going into areas in the hospital that have Amber or Red Covid / other infection control restrictions in place.

What skills or experience do you need?

Excellent communication skills – talking and listening to patients and staff – with a good standard of spoken English.

The ability to understand and comply with confidentiality requirements.

Have a professional and friendly demeanour.

Be committed to the role and attend regularly. Be punctual and dependable.

Within the boundaries of your role, be self-motivated and able to help without direct supervision

The ability to know when and how to seek help – (guidance will be given).

A reasonable level of fitness – you will need to be mobile during some of your ‘shift’.

For the full document please download the attached PDF