Welcome to

What is ?

It’s… Of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties +

It’s YOU

Click here to view United Way’s Open Your Heart to a Senior video.

Goal: Every senior in need of assistance is paired with a caring volunteer.

Volunteers Fill the Gap

Many Opportunities, One Network

Volunteer Based on Interest not Agency Meal preparation Meal delivery Driving Safety for Seniors Medicare Counseling Senior centers Snow shoveling Leaf raking

In ONE year Over 1,000 volunteers gave 20,000 hours! 11,000+ rides were given to the grocery stores, food banks, and medical appointments 80+ home modifications were provided 100+ home visits and smoke alarms installed 30,000+ meals were delivered

94% of seniors report falling less, which is the number one cause of hospitalization among the elderly 20% of seniors an increase in their overall quality of life 33% of seniors report an increased ability to complete activities of daily living 100% of seniors would recommend Open Your Heart to a Senior services to their friends 100% of volunteers report a high-level of satisfaction with their experience as a volunteer The Impact Matters

What’s in it for You? High quality infrastructure and support for volunteers One entry point for several volunteer opportunities and agencies Annual Recognition Activities & Events On-Going Training Connection to the community and other volunteers Opportunities to take a leadership role Satisfaction of giving back to a generation that has done so much for us

Overview of Volunteering with Open Your Heart to a Senior

1.Understanding Aging 2.Role of Volunteers 3.General Guidelines 4.Liability & Release 5.Volunteer Self-Care 6.Building Healthy Relationships with Seniors

Understanding Aging Positive Aspects Greater wisdom, perspectives, skills Keepers of tradition and history Personal peace and mellowing Freedom from employment and child rearing Negative Aspects Loss of physical or mental capacities Loss of employment opportunities and income Loss of loved ones

Role of Volunteers Some seniors have many supports, while other have few. Volunteers are one of the links in the chain of support Senior Family Friends & Neighbors Formal Helpers Volunteers

General Guidelines Turn in hoursKeep us informed Changes in health or environment Concerns of abuse Maintain ConfidentialityRefrain from sensitive matters (i.e. family matters)Stay safe and avoid riskIf providing transportation: Confirm with senior one day in advance Call when you are on your way Give plenty of notice when cancelling Put cell phones away to avoid distracted driving risk Do not accept gifts

Liability & Release Volunteer Protection Act: Volunteers are removed from liability while acting within the scope of assigned responsibilities Release of Volunteer Services: – Agency provides support & training to avoid dismissal – Volunteers may be dismissed in certain cases: Neglecting assigned responsibilities Failing to follow written policies/procedures Any type of abuse, discrimination, theft, or substance abuse while on duty

Volunteer Self-Care Choose an opportunity that is most comfortable for you Pace yourself, don’t over- commit in the beginning Be open and honest with staff about your experience

Building Healthy Relationships with Seniors Be a friend but maintain boundariesBe comfortable with saying “no” Questions to consider: Is the task acceptable and permitted? Is there enough time? Is there another person or resource that could provide more appropriate assistance?

Handbook Resources Useful Tips for your Volunteering: Activity ideas Communication tips Tips for observing health and wellness in seniors Recognizing and reporting elder abuse Common heath conditions among seniors (inc. Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resources) Home safety guidelines and tips Practical tips for working seniors with mobility issues Agency Information Learn more about the agencies that are part of the Open Your Heart to a Senior network Further review the Open Your Heart to a Senior Handbook for:

Thank you for coming!

Agency Specific Information