Filling Our Friends with Well-Being and Purpose

Volunteering in a Respite Community

If you had the chance to read more about the Respite for All model, then you’ll know exactly what volunteers mean to the program. We believe that operating with a staff of volunteers allows Respite to provide participants with more well-being and purpose rather than just entertaining them during their time with us. In addition, relying on a team of volunteers means we open opportunities to pull individuals from ALL walks of life – a bottomless well of talent.

Each day at a Respite for All Community, volunteer engagement will assist in activities that include:

    • Cognitive Stimulation
    • Exercise and Weight Training
    • Yoga
    • Community Service Projects
    • Intergenerational Concerts
    • Creative Writing
    • Chapel Services

Activities also include service projects for local communities to help build self-worth and purpose for our friends living with dementia.

The trained volunteer-friend ratio tends to be 1:2 or 1:1. Can you imagine? Four hours of someone pouring love, laughter, friendship, meaning, and purpose into you for four hours a day?

Respite For All Foundation

Care partners have reported less anxiety, depression, and better sleep patterns for their loved ones after a full day of Respite engagement.

Respite For All Volunteer Model

Volunteer Q&A

Question: How do Respite Communities attract and sustain so many volunteers?

Answer:

  • Volunteers appreciate a flexible work schedule. They do not have to find their own replacement or sign up every week.
  • Volunteers are engaged in meaningful work that betters the life of another human being.
  • Respite provides an opportunity to live out discipleship.
  • Finally, the theory is to build a large pool of volunteers so that the same people do not have to commit to a specific time frame.

Question: What goes into Respite volunteer training?

Answer: The Respite for All Foundation helps local communities train their volunteers so they can learn how to:

  • Better communicate with our friends with dementia (This includes communication techniques and some role play)
  • Provide genuine encouragement
  • See micro-moments of connection and expand on them
  • See strengths in others that are not instantly obvious
  • Participate and serve as guides through art, music, and community service projects
  • Engage in small-group conversations where group dynamics are key
  • Build an environment of autonomy for our friends
  • Blur the line between volunteer and friend

For more information on volunteer opportunities at one of the Respite for All communities, please contact the local program for more details.

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