Syracuse HOG Volunteer Opportunity at the VA Medical Center
The Syracuse VA Medical Center is looking for volunteers for their In-Home Respite care program.
Below is some information from the program coordinator as well as general information that may help you decide if you would like to participate in this program.
This is not a Syracuse HOG specific activity but please let me know if you do decide to volunteer in this program. It is a great way to help our Veteran’s, of which we have many in our HOG club, and to show the community that bikers care.
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A volunteer is matched with a Veteran and a Veteran’s family. As a volunteer you will go to the Veteran’s home for 2-4 hours and visit with the Veteran while the care giver gets some “worry free time away”. The schedule will be set up according to the caregiver’s needs as well as your availability. The visit will be a “friendly visit” in that you will talk, play cards, watch TV etc. with the Veteran. There’s no “hands on” or medical care with the Veteran.
To be a respite volunteer, you will need to attend volunteer orientation and be fingerprinted. Those orientations are at 10 am on either Monday or Wednesday of each week, excluding Federal Holidays. Let me know what day you would like me to schedule for orientation. Be sure to bring 2 forms of ID.
Additionally, you will need a background investigation. I have attached 2 forms that HR will need so that can be initiated. Additionally, you will need to meet with me to be trained specific for Respite. I can train you the same day you do orientation.
Email or call the individual below and she will be glad to answer any of your questions and schedule you for orientation and also Respite training.
Lisa Gualtieri
Voluntary Service Specialist
In-Home Respite Coordinator
VA Medical Center
800 Irving Ave
Syracuse NY 13210
315-425-4315 Office
The Syracuse VA Medical Center is looking for volunteers for their In-Home Respite care program.
Below is some information from the program coordinator as well as general information that may help you decide if you would like to participate in this program.
This is not a Syracuse HOG specific activity but please let me know if you do decide to volunteer in this program. It is a great way to help our Veteran’s, of which we have many in our HOG club, and to show the community that bikers care.
*************************************************************************************
A volunteer is matched with a Veteran and a Veteran’s family. As a volunteer you will go to the Veteran’s home for 2-4 hours and visit with the Veteran while the care giver gets some “worry free time away”. The schedule will be set up according to the caregiver’s needs as well as your availability. The visit will be a “friendly visit” in that you will talk, play cards, watch TV etc. with the Veteran. There’s no “hands on” or medical care with the Veteran.
To be a respite volunteer, you will need to attend volunteer orientation and be fingerprinted. Those orientations are at 10 am on either Monday or Wednesday of each week, excluding Federal Holidays. Let me know what day you would like me to schedule for orientation. Be sure to bring 2 forms of ID.
Additionally, you will need a background investigation. I have attached 2 forms that HR will need so that can be initiated. Additionally, you will need to meet with me to be trained specific for Respite. I can train you the same day you do orientation.
Email or call the individual below and she will be glad to answer any of your questions and schedule you for orientation and also Respite training.
Lisa Gualtieri
Voluntary Service Specialist
In-Home Respite Coordinator
VA Medical Center
800 Irving Ave
Syracuse NY 13210
315-425-4315 Office
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Home Respite Volunteer Program
When will I use the
Home Respite Volunteer Program?
Caregivers may request to have volunteers come into their home when they need to:
· Run errands
· Go to the doctor
· Go shopping
· Visit with friends
· Attend community functions
· Just need a break
· Run errands
· Go to the doctor
· Go shopping
· Visit with friends
· Attend community functions
· Just need a break
How often can a Home Respite Volunteer
come to my home?
Volunteers are available for home visits between 1 to 4 hours a week.
How will I know my loved one is safe? Home Respite Volunteers are personally interviewed and screened by the VA. In addition, they must complete a clinical training program, standard volunteer orientation, and a background investigation. Volunteers are educated about:
· Basic information on aging
· Special problems of the elderly
· Community resources
· Emergency procedures
· Guidelines/responsibilities of working with
frail and/or elderly individuals
come to my home?
Volunteers are available for home visits between 1 to 4 hours a week.
How will I know my loved one is safe? Home Respite Volunteers are personally interviewed and screened by the VA. In addition, they must complete a clinical training program, standard volunteer orientation, and a background investigation. Volunteers are educated about:
· Basic information on aging
· Special problems of the elderly
· Community resources
· Emergency procedures
· Guidelines/responsibilities of working with
frail and/or elderly individuals
What will I do as a Home Respite Volunteer?
Volunteers may visit a Veteran in his/her home once or twice a week for a period of 1 to 4 hours a week to allow the caregiver a much-deserved break and “worry free time away”.
Volunteers can expect to:
· Provide compassionate care to Veterans
· Be a good listener and communicator
· Provide a break for the caregiver
· Provide companionship to the Veteran
· Report any problems to the program coordinator
Volunteers may visit a Veteran in his/her home once or twice a week for a period of 1 to 4 hours a week to allow the caregiver a much-deserved break and “worry free time away”.
Volunteers can expect to:
· Provide compassionate care to Veterans
· Be a good listener and communicator
· Provide a break for the caregiver
· Provide companionship to the Veteran
· Report any problems to the program coordinator
What other kinds of activities can I do as a
Home Respite Volunteer?
Volunteers in the Home Respite Volunteer
Program may also:
· Teach the individual a simple craft or activity
· Read aloud favorite books, magazines or
letters
· Look at photos
· Help write a letter
· Do a puzzle
· Play games (cards, etc.)
· Reminisce
· Listen to music
· Start a stamp or coin collection
· Go for a walk
Home Respite Volunteer?
Volunteers in the Home Respite Volunteer
Program may also:
· Teach the individual a simple craft or activity
· Read aloud favorite books, magazines or
letters
· Look at photos
· Help write a letter
· Do a puzzle
· Play games (cards, etc.)
· Reminisce
· Listen to music
· Start a stamp or coin collection
· Go for a walk
How do I become a Home Respite Volunteer?
When you decide you would like to help a caregiver and his/her loved one, please call Voluntary Service, Lisa Gualtieri (315) 425-4315
Syracuse VA Medical Center
Syracuse VA Medical Center