MEALTIME ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEER

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This is an ongoing position for Resident Mealtime Assistants that enhances the AGCCC residents’ mealtime experience while ensuring safety during mealtimes to mitigate choking risks. As a Mealtime Assistance Volunteer, the AGCCC Occupational Therapist and/or Dietitian will train you with the Loving Spoonful Mealtime Assistance Program. As part of your volunteer experience, you will assist residents with getting to, from dining areas, provide assistance in feeding them, and work closely with residents to maintain safety in feeding/swallowing activities. This position is open for 18 years old and up.

TASKS MAY INCLUDE:
• Provide nourishment.
• Be an active participant in the resident’s eating experience.
• Learn the resident’s mealtime style.
• Have a helpful attitude, for example:
• Take an interest – smile, engage in light conversation, describe the meal.
• Take time to feed or assist the patient to eat a well-paced meal.
• Know the resident’s strengths and difficulties, and build on the strengths to
  compensate for the weaknesses.
• Follow the recommendations of the Supervisor assigned
• Watch for any changes in the resident’s eating pattern and report them.
• Ask the Care Manager for advice if having difficulty in following the recommended
   feeding strategies.

SKILLS REQUIRED:
•	Patience and understanding
•	Good social and communication skills
•	Helpful and accommodating manner
•	Sensitive, compassionate and tactful nature
•	Negotiating skills and experience of dealing with difficult situations
•	Able to work on own or part of a team
•	An interest in food and nutrition
•	Volunteers will need to obtain satisfactory clearance and training from AGCCC’s Dietitian and Occupational Therapist

Available Shifts 
Breakfast - 9:00 am to 9:30 am
Lunch - 12:00 noon to 12:30
Supper - 4:30pm to 5:00 pm