Alzheimer Society puts out call for volunteers
Struggling with a lack of volunteers, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. is looking for some support for their support groups.
Given the challenges faced by the people who take of loved ones with dementia, the society frequently runs sessions — with volunteer facilitators — where caregivers can meet, share their experiences, and give and receive support.
“People are really feeling isolated, because of being a caregiver,” said Victoria Wilson, the support and education coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of BC. “They’re really looking for that in-person connection. And trying to reduce the isolation that they may be experiencing.”
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Some support groups currently have waitlists, Wilson said, adding that the society is hoping to get as many volunteers as possible to support the current groups and expand to deliver more services.
“Without volunteers it’s really difficult to manage those who are waiting for support.”
Anyone over 18 can apply to be a volunteer. They must clear a criminal record check and commit to one year of volunteering before they are provided with a comprehensive training to learn how to facilitate support groups. They then facilitate a group once per month, which requires three to six hours of their time.
As facilitators, the volunteer’s job is to set the discussion ground rules, make sure everyone feels included in the discussion, set up the room, provide more information on the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to group participants, write a report on the meeting, and attend twice-yearly support volunteer meetings and/or training sessions.
“If anyone just has an interest to support their community members,” Wilson said, “This is a great opportunity with a huge impact with a somewhat low output.”
