Welcome to

What is

?

It’s…

Of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties

+

It’s YOU

Click here to view United Way’s Open Your Heart to a Senior video.

Goal:Every senior in

need of assistance is paired with a

caring volunteer.

Volunteers Fill the Gap

Many Opportunities, One Network

Volunteer Based on Interest not Agency

Meal preparationMeal deliveryDrivingSafety for SeniorsMedicare CounselingSenior centersSnow shovelingLeaf raking

In ONE year Over 1,000 volunteers gave 20,000 hours!

• 11,000+ rides were given to the grocery stores, food banks, and medical appointments

• 80+ home modifications were provided

• 100+ home visits and smoke alarms installed

• 30,000+ meals were delivered

94% of seniors report falling less, which is the number one cause of hospitalization among the elderly

20% of seniors an increase in their overall quality of life

33% of seniors report an increased ability to complete activities of daily living

100% of seniors would recommend Open Your Heart to a Senior services to their friends

100% of volunteers report a high-level of satisfaction with their experience as a volunteer

The Impact Matters

What’s in it for You?

• High quality infrastructure and support for volunteers• One entry point for several volunteer opportunities

and agencies• Annual Recognition Activities & Events• On-Going Training• Connection to the community and other volunteers• Opportunities to take a leadership role• Satisfaction of giving back to a generation that has

done so much for us

Overview of Volunteering with Open Your Heart to a Senior

1. Understanding Aging2. Role of Volunteers3. General Guidelines4. Liability & Release5. Volunteer Self-Care6. Building Healthy Relationships with Seniors

Understanding Aging

Positive Aspects• Greater wisdom, perspectives, skills• Keepers of tradition and history• Personal peace and mellowing• Freedom from employment and child

rearing

Negative Aspects• Loss of physical or mental capacities• Loss of employment opportunities and

income• Loss of loved ones

Role of Volunteers

Some seniors have many supports, while other have

few. Volunteers are one of the links

in the chain of support

SeniorFamily

Friends & Neighbors

Formal Helpers

Volunteers

General GuidelinesTurn in hours• Changes in health or environment• Concerns of abuse

Keep us informed• Confirm with senior one day in advance• Call when you are on your way• Give plenty of notice when cancelling• Put cell phones away to avoid distracted driving riskMaintain Confidentiality

Refrain from sensitive matters (i.e. family matters)

Stay safe and avoid risk

If providing transportation:

Do not accept gifts

Liability & Release• Volunteer Protection Act: Volunteers are

removed from liability while acting within the scope of assigned responsibilities

• Release of Volunteer Services: – Agency provides support & training to avoid dismissal– Volunteers may be dismissed in certain cases:

• Neglecting assigned responsibilities• Failing to follow written policies/procedures• Any type of abuse, discrimination, theft, or substance

abuse while on duty

Volunteer Self-CareChoose an

opportunity that is most comfortable

for you

Pace yourself, don’t over-

commit in the beginning

Be open and honest with staff about

your experience

Building Healthy Relationships with Seniors

Be a friend but maintain boundaries

• Questions to consider:• Is the task acceptable and permitted?• Is there enough time?• Is there another person or resource that could provide more appropriate assistance?

Be comfortable with saying “no”

Handbook Resources

Useful Tips for your Volunteering:

• Activity ideas• Communication tips• Tips for observing health and wellness in seniors• Recognizing and reporting elder abuse• Common heath conditions among seniors (inc. Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resources)• Home safety guidelines and tips• Practical tips for working seniors with mobility issues

Agency Information

• Learn more about the agencies that are part of the Open Your Heart to a Senior network

Further review the Open Your Heart to a Senior Handbook for:

Thank you for coming!

Agency Specific Information