Our Volunteer Services
Our Volunteers serve with open hearts and come to IVC with a desire to give back to their community. So many of our elderly are isolated and lonely, and the IVC volunteer may be the only person they connect with in days. IVC volunteers often become a constant presence in the lives of our care receivers. Volunteers and Care Receivers alike often love to share and listen to stories of their lives.. It’s a reciprocal relationship based on trust and empathic understanding.
Services that can be performed by an IVC Volunteer
Here are some of the many ways that our volunteers serve our care receivers:
Transportation to medical and other necessary appointments (i.e. Helpline)
Transportation to social and recreational activities (i.e. Community Activities, Senior Center, Cultural events)
Medical Note taking
Companionship
Respite care to relieve overburdened family and friend care givers
In-home household chores and light yard work, light housekeeping
Grocery Shopping and errands
Prepare light meals
Life Enrichment activities such as visiting a museum or going to a movie or concert
Playing music, singing, playing/games or cards
Reading or writing letters
Taking someone for a walk
Small organizational tasks
Telephone reassurance
Assistance with Pet Care
Advocacy and encouragement
Assist with projects in the IVC office (ie. Office support, computer, fundraising)
“IVC is the connection hub between the people who need help and those that are able to help… I can’t tell you how much I am loving IVC –it feels like it was something I was meant to do. ”
“I have been driving a lady who is blind. She has taught me so many things about independence and things that are available for people who are blind. It opened up a whole new world to me.”
Tasks NOT provided by IVC Volunteers
Any kind of personal comfort care
Washing/combing hair
Feeding
Assisting with dressing
Assisting with toileting
Nail care
Massage
Preparation or administration of medication
Setting up medication boxes
Range of motion exercises
Transfer of totally or partially dependent person
Financial, legal or medical advice
Use of specialized medical equipment