At the Alzheimer Society, our mission and goals are best achieved through the participation of our volunteers.
Our volunteers are vital to supporting health promotion, advocacy, and support services to people with dementia, those at greatest risk of developing dementia, and their care partners.
At each location, our volunteers are met with a welcoming environment to contribute their time and talents through both in-person and virtual spaces.
Proudly supported by:
Opportunities to Volunteer:
In-Home Social Recreation
Deliver client-specific recreation activities and social opportunities to persons living with dementia in their homes. The aim of this position is to stimulate memory, improve confidence, and overall quality of life. As a result, both the individual and caregiver can experience a break from their normal routines.
Group Program Assistant
Provide support to Group Facilitators with seminars and group sessions. We provide flexible opportunities, such as after-hours, off-site, virtual, and/or in-person placements.
Group Facilitator
Facilitate or co-facilitate recreation or social groups for persons living with dementia and/or their care partners, friends, or families.
Teleconnect
Support persons living with dementia and/or their care partners, by providing various opportunities for interaction through outreach calls. In this role, you will facilitate an opportunity for social connection, support, reduced isolation, and increased independence.
Community Ambassadors
Use your presentation abilities, public speaking skills and community connections to teach the community at large about Brain Health and Healthy Lifestyles. Work in partnership with staff and administrative volunteers to create opportunities and to deliver presentations that will ensure increased understanding and healthy living in our communities.
Administrative Support
Assist our program and/or administrative staff with in-office support which could include any of; research, data entry, filing, and connecting the community to our services.
Events
Raise community awareness of the Alzheimer Society services through community education opportunities and fundraising events. Events include and range from signature classics to hosting your own ‘Anything for Alzheimer’s’ event.
Meet some of our amazing volunteers:
Name: Christine
Volunteer position: Hamilton Matchmaker
Hamilton Matchmaker, Christine is new to the Alzheimer Society Volunteer Team but has been working in the geriatric health field for a while. She also has personal experience with families and dementia, “My mother has dementia, and I understand the value of the Alzheimer Society in supporting the PLWD and their family and friends. I volunteer because I want to contribute to the success of the Alzheimer Society programs.” Christine understands how IHSR Visitor volunteers impact the overall quality of life for the family living with dementia. “Every week the family has something to look forward to and receives the respite necessary for healthy living.” Christine is excelling at her new role. “The Alzheimer’s Society is really good in finding ways for volunteers to apply their skill sets and experiences that meet program needs and fulfills volunteer goals.”
Name: Jeewoo
Volunteer position: Volunteer Visitor
Volunteer Visitor, Jeewoo is matched with Mujeeb in the In-Home Social Recreation Program. Once per week, Jeewoo visits Mujeeb in his home and together they create art. “I get very excited and happy when Mujeeb decides the subject of what we will paint.” Jeewoo has experience with dementia and how it impacts the PLWD and their family. “I was in Canada when my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and it was seven years before I could return to Korea and visit him. When I saw him, he had changed, and he did not recognize me. I became very sad especially when I saw how my grandmother cared for him. She never took her eyes off him in case he wandered off.” The impact that Jeewoo has on Mujeeb, and his family is apparent. “Mujeeb’s wife greets me every week, with a smile and a hug. I feel very connected, like a grandchild. I feel happy when Mujeeb smiles and recognizes me.”
Name: Susan
Volunteer position: In-Home Social Recreation Matchmaker
Halton IHSR Matchmaker, Susan Woods-Lovell has been volunteering with ASBHNHH for many years. Susan states, “I do believe that people staying in their homes as long as possible is the best solution for the person and our healthcare system. I am a great believer in home health.” Susan recognizes that the IHSR program enables people to stay at home longer. Having worked with PLWD throughout her career, Susan says, “when you connect with someone living with dementia, it is very rewarding.” Susan was matched with two families while volunteering. Susan enjoyed her first match with Client 1 (C1) because she was able to offer relief to the CP. “Her husband would go out to coffee with my husband, and I enjoyed playing Gin Rummy with C1.” Regarding Client 2 (C2), “I feel rewarded that C2 is happy to see me. Seeing C2 reach out and smile is rewarding.”
What are you waiting for? Volunteer today!
Click the yellow arrow for the online application
Volunteer Q&A
Do I need to get a Police Check to volunteer?
All volunteer positions involving direct client work require a Vulnerable Sector Check, to be obtained from the local Police Service in the community where you live. Police Record Checks may be required for other positions.
How much does it cost?
The Police Services around the coverage area of our organization have different policies and fees associated with Police Checks.
Please check the Police Check tab on your local Police Service’s website for more information as it applies to you. Some forces have no fee if the organization requesting it provides a letter, which we will provide where needed.
Can I be reimbursed for the cost if there is one?
Yes, if there is a cost, it is possible to be reimbursed. Please forward a copy of the receipt to your area Coordination of Volunteer Engagement. You will be reimbursed upon request after mandatory time commitment of 3 months is complete and upon presenting a clear Criminal Record Check or a Vulnerable Sector Check
Can I get my high school volunteer hours?
Yes, we do offer volunteer opportunities for people under 18 years of age only for specific events. Please note that volunteer roles for people under 18 do not involve direct client work.
I have dementia, can I volunteer with the Alzheimer Society?
Yes, we encourage those along their dementia journey to volunteer. We endeavor to match the skills and interests of those that apply to the current roles available.
Although Marilyn knows that people living with dementia greatly benefit from music, she said the importance of the music program for care-partners cannot be overlooked. While the person listens to music, a care-partner can relax and have a moment, knowing that the person with dementia is happy and calm. Music can be a real bright spot in someone’s day.
As a volunteer, Kate will be supporting the Public Education and Social Programming Staff as a co-host for programs. In this role, Kate will be playing an integral role in helping persons living with dementia, as well as supporting the work of the organization to achieve our mission.
Several year ago, Sandra watched her mother struggle with a dementia diagnosis. As a lifelong lover of music, Sandra saw the pleasure and movement that listening to favourite pieces could provide. One of her best-loved memories if of her mother pulling down the headphones and asking “how did you know that was my dad and my favourite song?” Now she sees those same glimpses of joy when she speaks to care partners who share “he just loves it, he sits there listening with a big smile.”
