Volunteers needed at Dale Association
Friday August 17, 2012 | By:Rikki Cason | News
Volunteers are at the heart of services at the Dale Association. One of the most visible volunteer opportunities is that of a long-term care ombudsman. Ombudsman volunteers give of their time to serve as advocates for the area’s nursing home residents.
They are in need of additional volunteers for the 15 nursing facilities in Niagara County supported by The Dale Association. Thorough training is offered Oct. 1 through 4.
Ongoing support and mentoring is provided for this worthwhile volunteer opportunity. Volunteers work a minimum of four hours per week.
David Fay, a recently retired union carpenter, was looking to give something back to his community when he learned about the ombudsman program. As an ombudsman volunteer, David feels like an arbitrator, helping to resolve issues and problems for residents in a local facility.
“Even though the administration and staff are wonderful to work with, there are still issues that arise and I’m here each week to help them. When you get to know the people for yourself, you want to help even more,” said David.
Shirley Walk, an ombudsman volunteer since 2006, was looking for a volunteer opportunity where she would be out in the field working one-on-one with people. Six years later, she is still making a big difference in peoples’ lives as an ombudsman.
“The job is as simple as listening with both ears, observing what’s going on, and then following up on any issues that arise,” she said. “I recently went to bat for four residents who were having privacy issues. The administration installed privacy curtains and the four are very pleased. We’re very fortunate to have such caring staff at the facility where I volunteer. When I ask for things on behalf of the residents, I’m happy to say I’ve been very successful. Some of the residents have nobody visit them, and so it’s extra important that I’m there to offer a friendly greeting.”
To inquire about becoming an ombudsman volunteer call Nancy Smith, Program Coordinator, at 433-3344, ext. 1.
They are in need of additional volunteers for the 15 nursing facilities in Niagara County supported by The Dale Association. Thorough training is offered Oct. 1 through 4.
Ongoing support and mentoring is provided for this worthwhile volunteer opportunity. Volunteers work a minimum of four hours per week.
David Fay, a recently retired union carpenter, was looking to give something back to his community when he learned about the ombudsman program. As an ombudsman volunteer, David feels like an arbitrator, helping to resolve issues and problems for residents in a local facility.
“Even though the administration and staff are wonderful to work with, there are still issues that arise and I’m here each week to help them. When you get to know the people for yourself, you want to help even more,” said David.
Shirley Walk, an ombudsman volunteer since 2006, was looking for a volunteer opportunity where she would be out in the field working one-on-one with people. Six years later, she is still making a big difference in peoples’ lives as an ombudsman.
“The job is as simple as listening with both ears, observing what’s going on, and then following up on any issues that arise,” she said. “I recently went to bat for four residents who were having privacy issues. The administration installed privacy curtains and the four are very pleased. We’re very fortunate to have such caring staff at the facility where I volunteer. When I ask for things on behalf of the residents, I’m happy to say I’ve been very successful. Some of the residents have nobody visit them, and so it’s extra important that I’m there to offer a friendly greeting.”
To inquire about becoming an ombudsman volunteer call Nancy Smith, Program Coordinator, at 433-3344, ext. 1.
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