On behalf of the residents and their families, staff and Board of Directors of Hawthorne Seniors Care Community, I would like to thank you for your commitment in becoming a volunteer.

The volunteer program plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents living at the Centre. The time, energy and talents that you contribute as a volunteer assist the staff in providing the highest quality of care.

This handbook has been designed to help your understanding of your role as a volunteer at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community. It also contains information that we hope will make your experience most successful and enjoyable. Inside you will find information on common types of disabilities experienced by some older adults. After a brief description of the disability, you will find tips on how to best communicate with residents experiencing these types of disabilities.

In addition, a larger section has been provided to help you in understanding the different types of dementia and the behaviors that result from these. Please remember when reading this information that many residents who suffer from dementia may also be experiencing other health problems and may not match any description exactly.

We sincerely hope that your volunteer experiences at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community will be both rewarding and positive and that the tips in this handbook make your visit more successful.

If you have any further questions or concerns during your time at Hawthorne please do not hesitate to ask one of the Activity Coordinators, Activity Aides or myself.

Yours truly,
Jackie Angel
Director, Therapeutic and Community Programs
604-468-5005

Dear Volunteer,

It is with great privilege I welcome you to Hawthorne Seniors Care Community. I am confident you will find Hawthorne Seniors Care Community to be a rewarding place to volunteer. It has many opportunities for you to learn and develop your life skills and at the same time, help us reach our mission of providing the highest quality of care for our residents

We hope you find your stay here both happy and satisfying. Please contact me if you wish to change volunteer positions and/or require support with your role/position. It is important that not only Hawthorne benefit from your involvement here but just as importantly that YOU benefit.

Welcome to Hawthorne Seniors Care Community! I look forward to getting to know you.

Sincerely,

Janet Power Manager of Volunteer Services /Community Partnerships