Needs From: Get Connected - Volunteer Fox Cities

Program Overview:
The SPOON program helps residents enjoy safe, one-on-one assistance during meals while promoting socialization and companionship. Volunteers are oriented, trained, and supervised to support nursing staff and enhance the mealtime experience for residents, particularly those with advanced dementia or chronic health conditions.

Orientation & Training:

Volunteers are identified by the Director of Volunteer Services.

Orientation and training are provided by the Speech Therapist and Manager of Outreach Services, following established curriculum.

Volunteers complete a neighborhood competency evaluation before assisting residents.

Volunteer Role & Supervision:

Volunteers feed residents assigned by the staff nurse.

Clinical Coordinator provides ongoing supervision and feedback.

Director of Volunteer Services reviews volunteer performance as needed.

Program Objectives:

Increase resident socialization and companionship during meals.

Provide a person-centered, one-on-one mealtime experience.

Maintain residents’ quality of life and dignity.

Program Description:

In order to assist older adults to live in their home safely and healthy for as long as they choose, St. Paul Elder Services offers several services to community members.  ElderMatch is a free, volunteer program to decrease isolation in older adults. Studies show that there is a direct link between isolation and decline in cognitive, emotional, and physical health, particularly among the elderly.   Providing companionship on a regular basis with individuals of common interests is shown to alleviate and prolong any decline in these areas.  St Paul Elder Services and the Outagamie County ADRC are partners in developing and carrying out this program.

Qualifications & Attributes:

Activities/Tasks:

1.      Meet with match every week or at minimum twice in one month for at least 1 hour per visit.

2.      Complete required paperwork for each visit and report monthly (report immediately in an emergency)

3.      Attend trainings and meetings for ElderMatch volunteers.

Benefits

Position Overview:

non-clinicalClinic Preparation & Turnover: 

 Welcome clients upon arrival, confirm appointment times, assist with sign-in, and communicate wait times when needed.Hospitality / Concierge Services: 

 Help with appointment reminders, schedule coordination, or clerical tasks under RN and program direction.Payment Handling: 

 Ensure the clinic area remains clean, tidy, and well-organized throughout service hours.Team Collaboration:No direct patient careNo handling of medical instrumentsNo clinical tasks or assessment involvementNo documentation in medical recordsFriendly, compassionate, and service-orientedDependable and punctualComfortable working alongside clinical staff and older adultsOrganized with strong attention to detailProfessional and discreet with sensitive informationAble to maintain infection control and safety guidelines

Provides personal visits or telephone calls to offer companionship, socialization, emotional support, plays games, offer wheel chair rides, reminicing, and much more.

Provides support through: Condolence visits, letters, telephone calls and assistance with support groups and memorial services.