PURPOSE : The Caregiver Café Facilitator Volunteer runs the monthly Caregiver Cafés, which provide additional support and education to caregivers in the community to improve their quality of life.

The cafés are part of our mission: To promote the optimum level of well-being, independence, and dignity of those living in the community by providing trusted, compassionate, and expert health care.

The monthly Caregiver Café is a meeting place for non-paid caregivers to enjoy a change of pace, meet other caregivers, exchange ideas and information. The cafés may also help the caregivers improve their relationship with the loved one they are caring for.

The volunteer in this position will greet the caregiver attendees, help them find a nametag, and make sure they feel comfortable and welcome. After the check-in process is complete, the volunteer will mingle among the participants to help keep the conversation flowing. Together with the Volunteer Coordinator and the Life Care Director, the volunteer will help provide resources and identify speakers that are relevant to caregivers.

REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION :

1. Good listener and effective communicator
2. Encouraging collaborator
3. Discreet and able to keep confidences.
4. Reliable
5. Self-initiating
6. Physically mobile
7. Supply own transportation.
8. Pass criminal and background checks.
9. Basic computer knowledge
10. Ability to be empathic and separate personal needs from group needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES : Individual situations differ; the following is a general framework:

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely and communicate effectively with Cornerstone VNA Volunteer Coordinator.
• Assist caregivers in checking-in, signing on virtually, signing photo release forms and getting name tags.
• Ensure each participant is greeted with a smile and feels comfortable.
• Run the group to ensure conversation is flowing.
• Assist in set-up and take-down of Caregiver Café.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Abide by the Cornerstone VNA Volunteer policy & procedure.
• Provide emotional support for caregivers.