Friendly Visitor / Companion for Seniors

Position Summary:

As a Friendly Visitor, you will be instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for seniors by providing companionship, emotional support, and engaging activities. Your warm demeanor and empathetic approach will help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, fostering meaningful connections that promote the emotional and mental well-being of our senior community members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Companionship:
• Engage in Conversations: Initiate and sustain friendly conversations, discussing a variety of topics, including current events, personal interests, and shared memories. Adapt discussions to match the senior’s preferences and comfort level.
• Provide Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and be present during times of sadness or stress, allowing seniors to express their feelings without judgment.
• Activity Facilitation:
• Plan Activities: Develop and implement engaging activities based on the seniors’ interests, such as playing board games, doing puzzles, or participating in arts and crafts.
• Organize Outings: Coordinate and accompany seniors on community outings, such as visits to parks, museums, or local events, ensuring they enjoy meaningful experiences outside their homes.
• Promote Social Interaction: Encourage participation in group activities, like book clubs or exercise classes, to foster connections among seniors.
• Emotional Support:
• Check-in Regularly: Maintain regular communication with seniors to check on their emotional well-being, offering reassurance and support as needed.
• Facilitate Reminiscence Therapy: Encourage seniors to share their life stories, helping them reflect on positive memories and experiences, which can improve mood and cognitive function.
• Assistance with Daily Tasks:
• Support Daily Living Activities: Assist seniors with light household tasks, such as organizing their living space or preparing simple meals, as appropriate.
• Help with Errands: Provide transportation or accompany seniors on errands, like grocery shopping or attending medical appointments, to ensure they have access to essential services.
• Monitoring Well-being:
• Observe Changes: Pay attention to any notable changes in the senior’s behavior, mood, or physical condition, documenting and reporting these observations to the appropriate staff or family members.
• Encourage Health and Wellness: Promote healthy habits by engaging seniors in discussions about nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, encouraging them to stay active and engaged.
• Documentation:
• Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of visit notes, including activities completed, observations regarding the senior’s health and mood, and any concerns that arise during interactions.
• Report Insights: Share insights with the care team during meetings, contributing to the overall understanding of each senior’s needs and preferences.
• Team Collaboration:
• Participate in Training: Attend regular training sessions to stay updated on best practices in senior care, communication skills, and community resources.
• Collaborate with Staff: Work closely with staff members to develop individualized plans for each senior, ensuring a coordinated approach to care and support.
• Respect Privacy:
• Maintain Confidentiality: Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality regarding seniors’ personal information and care needs.
• Create a Safe Space: Foster a trusting environment where seniors feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and personal stories.
• Community Engagement:
• Connect with Local Resources: Assist seniors in accessing community resources, such as support groups, wellness programs, or social events, to enhance their quality of life.
• Advocate for Seniors: Raise awareness about the needs and challenges faced by seniors within the community, advocating for their rights and well-being.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
• Previous experience working with seniors, in caregiving, or in a social services role is preferred but not required.
• Skills:
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Patience and adaptability in various situations, with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Compassion:
• A genuine desire to help and make a positive impact in the lives of seniors.
• Reliability:
• Punctual and dependable, with a commitment to regular visits, adhering to a schedule that accommodates the needs of both the seniors and the organization.
• Background Check:
• Willingness to undergo a background check, as required for working with vulnerable populations.

Benefits:

• Flexible Scheduling:
• Create a schedule for visits that accommodates both your availability and the needs of the seniors, with options for weekday, weekend, and evening visits.
• Community Impact:
• Play a vital role in reducing isolation and improving the quality of life for seniors, making a meaningful difference in their lives.
• Personal Growth:
• Gain valuable experience and skills in communication, empathy, and caregiving that can benefit both personal and professional development.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Fairfax, VA 22030 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Fairfax, VA 22030: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25