Our Vision :
We envision “Rockingham”
Cardwell Shire Home for the Aged to be an environment which most of us grew up . The setting is a
natural one with greenery of all kinds abounding, and each member of our
Rockingham “family” who is able has a part in maintaining this living
environment.
Residents feel like part of an extended family. Joys, sorrow, hopes, dreams, and fears are shared as in any family
Spontaneity combines with
structure, as planned activities continue to be an important part of the
day. The activities program embraces
elements of the environment and incorporates them into the daily schedule,
lending strength and quality to the day.
Residents have a sense of
purpose, of belonging, of meaning, and control.
We wish for all we touch to feel a sense of belonging, to be an active
participant and not merely a bystander.
This philosophy will strengthen
the sense of team among the staff and will give a sense of common purpose as we
focus on the residents and on each other rather than on the work and tasks to
be accomplished. All of this comes
together to make a place where the emphasis on living and doing rather than on
illness and disability.
Our
PROVIDE A HOME WHERE RESIDENTS ARE ASSURED OF A
Our
Philosophy
q
We believe that our residents have the right to be
treated with dignity, care and compassion.
q
We believe that our residents should be encouraged
to live with as much independence as possible by providing an environment where
residents feel safe and secure.
q
We believe that our residents should be provided
with the highest standard of clinical care possible.
q
We believe all of our residents have the right to
maintain their own cultural or religious beliefs.
q
We believe our staff should be selected and trained
so that their attitude, skills and knowledge provide the basis of a happy home
for our residents.
q
We believe we will achieve Rockingham’s goals by
working together as a team with a common purpose - providing high quality care
to our residents.
VOLUNTEER
GUIDELINES:
Welcome
to Rockingham,
Cardwell
Shire Home for the Aged Inc.
ªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªª
Welcome
to our team at Rockingham.
Your
assistance in helping us provide care for our Residents is greatly appreciated
and we hope that you will share the personal satisfaction we experience from
working as a team and from sharing in the lives of our "special"
Residents.
ªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªª
We
are delighted to present you will a copy of our Volunteer guidelines. These
guidelines have been designed to help you know Rockingham. Whether you have
been with us for a short time, or for many years, you will understand that the
contribution you make will ensure the continued success of Rockingham in
providing quality aged care for the community of Cardwell.
We
believe it is our responsibility to keep volunteers accurately informed of
Rockingham's policies and procedures. These guidelines are a summary of
Rockingham's policies, the principles for which we stand, the benefits to which
you are entitled and the obligations you assume as a volunteer.
We
do no intend any policy or procedure to cause undue hardship for any volunteer.
We set them down in these guidelines simply to let you know what to expect from
us and what will be expected of you. These policies are not unchangeable, but
will remain in effect until changes are considered necessary. We will advise
you when any changes are made.
Please
read these volunteer guidelines carefully,
If you
should have any questions concerning the policies,
procedures or
benefits outlined in these guidelines,
please ask
the Activities Officer or Care Team Leader –
they will
be glad to help you.
1. ROLE OF
A VOLUNTEER:
To supplement the activities of regular staff. This shall release staff from duties not requiring professional
training and makes extra care available to Residents.
The giving of one's time, talent and energy in service to the
Residents.
A good volunteer……..
q
is willing to undertake training and accept guidance.
q
has a sincere liking for elderly
people and is well motivated
q
shows warmth, empathy, tact and
discretion
q
has emotional maturity and
develops self-discipline to conform loyally to the necessary rules of
Rockingham
q
recognises that the work done
adds value to our Residents' wellbeing
q
is dependable and reliable
q
has good listening skills – a volunteer who listens actively, can be as
supportive as an experienced staff member.
q
respects the principles of confidentiality and loyalty following the same
standard expected of all employees.
2. LINES OF COMMUNICATION:
Þ Our Activities Officer is directly responsible for co-ordinating our
volunteers.
Þ The Care Team Leader is the Activities
Officer's supervisor.
Þ The Hostel Manager is the Care Team
Leader's supervisor
Þ The Hostel Manager is responsible to the
Committee of Management
3. CONFIDENTIALITY:
Volunteers are requested to respect the confidentiality of our
Residents, other employees and volunteers. Under no circumstances, should
Residents' affairs be discussed or commented upon or any information disclosed,
whether within or outside the facility. No information is to be released to the
media, either electronic or newspapers without the authorisation of the
Committee of Management.
4. REIMBURSEMENT OF
EXPENSES:
Rockingham shall reimburse volunteers for any expenses incurred as
part of our activities program. Prior to outlaying any monies, permission for
purchasing any items, should be sought from our Hostel Manager.
5. PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
& NURSE CALL:
During your orientation you shall receive training in the use of our
public address and nurse call systems.
The use of these systems is encouraged by Rockingham, where or when a
volunteer needs extra assistance from qualified staff.
6. INSURANCE:
Rockingham's WorkCover Qld Policy covers
all volunteers of Rockingham. Any injury, however slight, sustained during
attendance hours must be reported to the Activities Officer or Care Team Leader
immediately. An Accident/Incident Report must then be completed and an investigation
shall be carried out in line with Rockingham's Workplace Health and Safety
guidelines.
7. WORKPLACE HEALTH &
SAFETY:
Section 10 (page 25) of our Workplace Health and
Safety Manual covers Visitors and Volunteer's responsibilities. A copy of the manual is located in each department within Rockingham, you shall also locate a copy in the Staff Room.
8. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION:
We encourage Volunteers to report any hazards or risks they observe
whilst on the premises. We have a Quality Improvement Report Form, for the
reporting of any such hazards or risks. A copy of this form is located in the
Staff Room.
Please complete one of these forms if you become aware of any hazard
or risk enabling us to improve the safety aspects of our facility.
9. ROSTER ARRANGEMENTS & TYPES OF
ACTIVITIES:
To assist with the efficiency of our Activities Program, we encourage
volunteers to advise our Activities Officer of their availability to assist
with activities, and any preferences of the type of activities they may wish to
participate in.
10. COMMENTS AND COMPLAINTS:
We view any comments and complaints as an informative system of
improving our policies and procedures.
If, at any time you have a comment or complaint to lodge, there are
two systems available to you;
q
Suggestion Box – forms and pen
available in lounge/dining area
q
Comments/Complaint Forms – available on the front
counter in the reception area
11. FIRE PREVENTION & SAFETY PROCEDURES:
At orientation, all new volunteers will be instructed in Rockingham's
fire and safety procedures. All volunteers should be familiar with the
procedure following a fire alarm call or the discovery of a fire. Fire, Safety
and Other Emergencies Handbook is located in the Staff Room.
11.1 Fire:
All volunteers and staff must be able to react instantly and with
assurance in the event of a fire. On hearing the alarm all volunteers should proceed to the Indicator Panel located in the lounge in the
Administration Block. Further instructions shall then be given to volunteers.
ªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªª
REMEMBER:
If a Fire Alarm is activated – DON'T PANIC
Do not rush, do not pass others and follow instructions,
to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation.
ªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªª
11.2 Security:
All volunteers are requested to sign the Visitor's Book on entry and
exit to the facility. This procedure enables staff to know how many persons are
at Rockingham in the event of an emergency whereby a "head count"
needs to be completed
11.3 Manual Handling:
Volunteers are requested not to attempt to lift, transfer or move any
Resident without assistance from a qualified staff member. In the event of a
Resident having a fall, the volunteer should call for assistance using the
nurse call alarm.
12. FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO
VOLUNTEERS:
12.1 Locker:
A locker is available for use by volunteers whilst at the facility.
The locker, with a sign attached is located in the Staff Rest Room. A key is
available for securing the locker. Rockingham does not accept any
responsibility for the loss of any possessions whilst volunteers are visiting
the facility.
12.2 Tea &
Coffee Making:
A hot water urn and tea/coffee making facilities are located in the
Staff Room and volunteers are encouraged to make full use of them.
12.3 Meals:
A meal shall be provided to any volunteer's if they are attending the
facility in a voluntary capacity during meal times.
13. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS:
Rockingham prohibits volunteers from accepting any gifts of any kind
or money for services performed from Residents/clients.
DO'S & DON’TS FOR VOLUNTEER'S:
DO'S
q
Establish a regular time for volunteer service. If
you cannot come in please telephone and let us know.
q
Be sure you have provided us with the information
we require – you interests, abilities and how to contact you.
q
Remain completely confidential with what you hear
and see in the course of your voluntary service. If a Resident refers a
problem, report it to the appropriate person enabling something to be done. Do
not try and solve it yourself.
q
Be cautious when entering a relationship with
Residents. Work with not for them. Avoid emotional involvement.
Be objective, impartial and understanding.
q
Remember that your function is to help with
programs and activities and to relate to Residents in a warm and understanding
manner, without "smothering" them with attention.
q
Wear you identification badge so that Residents
and staff know you as a volunteer and recognise your name and you as a persons.
q
Respect Residents' as individuals and respect
their rights.
q
Wear suitable clothing and shoes when performing
as a volunteer
q
If an activity seems childish or monotonous to you
– don't assume that it is so to the person you are with – try a fresh approach
each time.
DON'TS:
q
Do not be critical or argumentative – especially
don't criticise staff to the Resident – any apparently genuine criticism should
be reported to the Care Team Leader or Hostel Manager.
q
Do not become discouraged too soon; give it a good
try. If you are having problems in relating to the Residents, talk to the
Activities Officer.
q
Do not "prod" Residents into an activity
– gentle encouragement, right timing, and plenty of patience usually does the
trick
q
Do not advise on business or legal matters. Report
such a request for help to the Hostel Manager who will refer it to the
appropriate persons.
q
Do not give nursing care or indulge in nursing
procedures – there are trained staff for this purpose
q
Do not get involved in arguments with other staff
even if you disagree with their methods. Discuss it with Care Team Leader.
q
Do no for a Resident what they can do for
themselves – this can detract from the independence they may have.
Tips for "Friendly Visiting"
q
Be a good listener – be interested and responsive
even to stories you may have heard before. Learn to interrupt and give new
focus to the story
q
Read aloud if you think the Resident would be
interested. Choose items you think will appeal to them.
q
Talk about the news of the day. Try and help the
Resident retain an interest in community affairs.
q
Do encourage your Resident-friend to reminisce.
This is good mental exercise and usually a happy experience for the Resident
q
If you are visiting the hostel ask the staff if it
is convenient to visit the Resident at that time
q
If you wish to bring something for your friend,
make sure it is appropriate. If you bring food times check first to ensure that
these will not cut across diet restrictions.
q
Encourage interest and pride in personal
appearance and environment
q
Take time to play simple games – cards, dominoes,
scrabble etc, if that is what the Resident would like to do
q
If you are visiting a sight-impaired person – say
who you are and describe things to the person – what you and they are wearing
etc.
q
Be sensitive to the concentration span capacity of
your friend – older people often tire quickly
q
I Residents speak sharply or find fault with you,
the staff or their families, do not take it personally. Remember they cannot
vent their frustrations in other ways
ªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªª