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Role Title
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Carer Relief Companion Volunteer
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Purpose of the role
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Volunteers provide companionship to an adult who has a carer in order to give the carer a break from their role secure in the knowledge that the person they care for is safe and has company. The person who has support needs also benefits from a new social connection and may engage in activities such as reminiscence, playing a game together, enjoying a hobby together, chatting, or watching TV.
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Where
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Volunteers provide companionship in the cared-for person’s home and garden. The service is offering in Midlothian local authority area.
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When
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2-4 hours, once a week, at a mutually agreed time between Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
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Tasks to be undertaken
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Tasks include:
- Take part in an initial introduction meeting with the person, their carer and the Voluntary Services Manager
- Visit the person at home at the agreed time each week
- Ensure that the person is comfortable and engage them in conversation or activities such as reminiscence, playing a game together, crafts, or watching TV.
- Fill out visit log forms and send to Voluntary Services Manager on a monthly basis
- Maintain the boundaries of the service
- Maintain confidentiality and data handling procedures in accordance with NHS Lothian policies
- Actively participate in training and support meetings
- Participate in ending/exit process
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Tasks not to be undertaken
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Volunteers do not:
- Provide nursing or personal care such as toileting, feeding, bathing, or providing medication
- Help with manual handling or moving the care-for person
- Help with household tasks or errands (such as food shopping, collecting prescriptions, cleaning, laundry, gardening)
- Care for children under 16 or pets
- Provide advice, guidance or counselling support to the person or their carer
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Skills, Attitudes and Experience needed
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Skills
- Good listening and communication skills
- Empathic, patient, and non-judgemental
- Punctual and reliable
- A warm, friendly, and professional approach
Attitudes
- Respect for confidentiality
- Willingness to adhere to the boundaries of the role
- Willingness to maintain regular contact with Volunteer Services Manager
Experience
- No previous experience is required; full training will be provided
- Previous experience of supporting people with long-term health conditions or people with disabilities would be useful.
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Support /Supervision
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- Mandatory role-specific training
- Mandatory NHS Lothian volunteer induction
- Optional ongoing learning opportunities as part of NHS Lothian volunteer programme
- Regular peer support meetings
- One-to-one support available from Voluntary Services Manager
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Expenses
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Agreed out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with the NHS Lothian volunteer expenses policy and signed off by the Voluntary Services Manager.
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How to apply / what happens next
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Contact volunteer.enquiries@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk for more information.
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