Summary

In partnership with Bruyere Health Research Institute, March of Dimes Canada is leveraging volunteers for a groundbreaking After Stroke Discharge Assistance and Support at Home (DASH) research project. The aim is to address post‑discharge needs identified by patients and their families by providing practical at‑home volunteer‑led support. This research project will bring together experts in clinical trials, evidence‑based interventions, health economics and policy, and people with lived experience.

Volunteers will be carefully matched with a stroke survivor for 8 weeks post‑hospital discharge. During weekly visits, the trained volunteer will provide a reassuring presence, help with light domestic tasks and everyday activities.

With more than 108,000 current strokes occurring in Canada every year, there is an evident urgency for additional support for stroke survivors and their families. The goal of this project is to create more socially valuable volunteer roles that will fill the gap in support during the post‑stroke journey.

Location

In‑person: Toronto, Ontario

Opportunity type

Ongoing – Start anytime

Schedule

Flexible

Roles and Responsibilities

- Meet with stroke survivors in their home weekly for 8 weeks post‑hospital discharge.
- Assist with light domestic tasks (e.g., meal preparation, loading the dishwasher) and other daily needs as requested.
- Assist in re‑engaging stroke survivors in previous hobbies and new interests.
- Help relieve feelings of loneliness by offering companionship, conversation,



and engagement in meaningful activities.
- Provide client‑centered support, including researching local services and resources.
- Optional: Pick‑up items (e.g., groceries, mail).
- Report any health or safety concerns to the Program Manager.
- Participate in data collection, surveys, observations as per the research study needs.
- Provide information about March of Dimes Canada’s After Stroke program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

- Strong interpersonal skills, attuned to supporting with active listening and the ability to explain and confirm understanding using both verbal and non‑verbal questions.
- Experience working with the disability community, knowledge of disability issues, and/or lived experience of disability or providing person‑centered support will be considered strong assets.
- Sociable, friendly, and empathetic.
- Clear understanding of privacy and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to commit to at least one 8‑week match, with a preference for ongoing involvement beyond the initial match.
- Ability to communicate clearly in English; speaking other languages is an asset.
- Optional: Access to a smoke‑free vehicle with minimum $1 M third‑party liability insurance.
- Optional: A valid driver’s licence with 6 or fewer demerit points and an acceptable driving record.

Volunteer Requirements

- Over the age of majority in the province of opportunity.
- Willing to undergo a background or police records check.

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📌 Discharge Assistance and Supports at Home (DASH) (Toronto)
🏢 Volunteer Success
📍 Toronto