Discovering the word for compassion in Hawaiian tradition…
The Power of Aloha
Creating a Robust Volunteer Force: It’s not about free labor
Not surprisingly, one of the first objections I get for promoting and creating robust volunteer programs for long-term care communities is that it appears that I’m supporting the use of free labor. Nothing could be further from my mind! For sure, there are a lot […]
“What to write about?”
For the past several months, actually since the first weekend in October, I’ve been experiencing some of the most excruciating pain a back injury can offer, or at least it feels that way. Mary and I love to take walks […]
Training for Long-Term Care Volunteers Goes Online!
I am thrilled to announce that “Volunteering in Long-Term Communities” volunteer training is now available online!
Recognizing the Value of Volunteers
When you think about a volunteer what comes to your mind? I see someone who is engaged, aware of his or her community needs and committed to helping others. Not remaining mere spectators, they step up to the plate to contribute their time, skills, and […]
We’re looking for “co-conspirators!
There just isn’t enough exposure for great nursing home volunteer programs. Most communities have their own newsletters or social media outlets, but where can someone go to learn about programs from a wide variety of communities, all in one place. The answer: “VolunCheerLeader.com” This blog […]
Baycrest – A Look at a Premier Volunteer Program
For the past 25 years, I have been advocating for people to visit the people living in nursing homes. So often nursing home residents do not get visitors which may lead to feelings of loneliness and uselessness. Over the last seven years I have been […]
Volunteer Programs and Your Public Image
Perceptions are everything. From my earliest days of military training to the present, I have been taught and now am teaching my own students and volunteers that perceptions powerfully influence the way people think and react. This holds true for nursing homes as well. Recruiting […]
Hillcrest Health Services Gets It!
It is becoming increasingly evident that providing quality of life through “person-centered” care is as much about nurturing meaningful relationships, that include trust, intimacy and empathy between two people. Volunteers, properly screened and trained are in the perfect place to provide that level of care. […]
Down Under: Relationship-Centered Care – Part II
As promised here is Part II, sharing what I’ve learned from Daniella Greenwood’s work at Arcare located in Australia. What is becoming very apparent to me is that caring for someone is not a one-way street. In fact, the way person-centered care is currently being […]