What Is the Job Description for a Volunteer Caregiver?

A volunteer caregiver works for free to help disabled people, usually at their homes or in a day care facility. The caregiver chooses how many hours she wants to volunteer, which may be a few hours a week or even be full-time. These positions usually are offered by caregiving agencies and volunteer services, although sometimes a disabled person or the family advertises independently for a volunteer to help out.

Companionship

Companionship is a main component of the volunteer caregiver job description. These caregivers may visit with elderly or disabled people who are mostly housebound. Sometimes a family member or spouse might be a primary caregiver, but that person may work full-time and be gone a large part of the day. Other disabled individuals are isolated without anyone to visit or assist them. Even a phone call to chat a couple times a week can be very much appreciated.

Errands and Housekeeping

Volunteer caregivers often help people with running errands and light housekeeping. They may drive someone to appointments or recreational occasions and take him shopping or do the shopping for him. The caregiver might bring or cook meals, wash dishes, vacuum, dust and do laundry. They help the person with his mail, reading it if he has trouble with his vision, and assist with answering mail as well. A volunteer caregiver also might be needed for some hours when a paid caregiver is not working. Volunteer caregivers help disabled people remain independent as long as possible.

Day Care

A volunteer caregiver working in a day care facility might encourage involvement in social and recreational activities and assist the person in participating in these activities, as well. The caregiver also helps disabled or elderly individuals with activities to keep their minds active, such as playing games, doing puzzles and participating in crafting. Caregivers who are skilled at certain hobbies or have talents such as music or art are always needed.

Hospice

Volunteer caregivers also work for hospice programs, giving respite for family members providing around-the-clock care for a dying person. The caregiver stay with the terminally ill individual to provide companionship and to be there in case of emergency. Meanwhile, a spouse, son or daughter can take a much-needed break.

Pets

Some programs need volunteers to help disabled people take care of a dog or cat, so that the person is able to keep the pet. These volunteers might walk dogs, clean up after a dog in the yard or change a cat's litter box. They might take a cat or dog to the vet or assist the pet owner in doing so. They might be needed to administer medication to a pet.

References

• Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program
• Adult Day Care Center Example
• Cat Caregivers for Senior Citizens

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