Summary

Creating community for people with young onset dementia and their families for active health and well-being.

Location

Address

1607 90 Ave SW

Calgary, Alberta T2V 4V7

When

Opportunity Type

Ongoing - Start Anytime

Schedule

Asap

About This Opportunity

What's a Typical Day at YouQuest?

- Interacting with participants and staff as part of our team
- Actively participating in recreation activities
- Anticipating participant needs and learning their life stories
- Support participant independence and decision-making abilities

Service days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Volunteer Shifts: 3+ hours morning, afternoon, or full day

Schedule: Weekly, monthly (your choice!)

Location: Calgary Jewish Community Centre

Nutrition: Snacks/Lunch provided; enjoyed with participants

Summary Of Volunteer Responsibilities During a YouQuest Service Day

Welcome and interact with participants and staff

- Greet participants
- Assist participants to store belongings
- Assist with meal selection
- Participate in individual and group conversations
- Actively participate in planned recreation activities and fitness (stretching, gym and/or exercise machines)

Support participants with in-house activities
- Change room support as needed (example: assisting a participant to change into appropriate clothing)
- Socialize and workout with participant to support individual’s fitness goals
- Assist with equipment set-up
- Assist with wrap-up and clean-up of equipment after fitness activity
- Support transition back to home base
- Assist with transition to and from lunch
- Enjoy lunch and conversation with tablemates
- Participate during activities: cognitive games, art, and sports (pickle ball, tennis, basketball), etc.




- Engage and support participants during the music session

During off-site service days, enable participants to enjoy visiting amenities and attractions in and around the Calgary area
- Attractions could include: Calgary Zoo, Studio Bell, Heritage Park, hikes within and outside the city, museums, etc.
- Assist with transition to bus/public transit

Assist participants with closure to the service day
- Help to gather personal belongings
- Ensure all participants safely get to their ride

Skillset And Personal Qualities Of Volunteers

- Friendly and warm
- Fully engaged in activities as appropriate
- Knowledgeable about young onset dementia and unique individuals’ needs, and/or willing to learn
- Good observation skills
- Empathy and sensitivity
- Flexibility and ability to “go with the flow”
- Able to support participants on a variety exercise equipment
- Able to lift and/or carry up to 20 lbs
- Able to walk 5 km
- Observant for potential needs and dangers

What is YouQuest? YouQuest is a community for people with young-onset dementia (diagnosed before age 65) and their families. Our purpose is to promote health and well-being by ensuring access to recreation therapy, counselling, and peer support. YouQuest offers a place to belong. It is a reliable support network for caregivers, providing them with a break from caring responsibilities. A registered charity,



YouQuest organizes activities for people in this younger population group. Our recreation therapy staff and volunteers provide functional support to help participants achieve well-being, learn new skills, and maintain their independence.

Who are the YouQuest Participants?

YouQuest is designed to appeal to younger people with dementia who want to be active and social in a community.

Inclusion Criteria Includes

- Diagnosis of dementia and/or symptoms before age 65
- Safe in an unsecured environment
- Self-ambulatory and medically stable
- Independent with meals and medication
- Willing and able to participate safely in individual and group recreation activities

Is YouQuest a Fit for You? Do you…
- Have a positive, enthusiastic attitude?
- Value supporting participant’s independence?
- Communicate easily in a calm, reliable and compassionate manner?
- Have a desire to learn/implement strategies that support participants to express themselves?
- ‘Go with the flow’ for flexible and proactive support of participants?
- Respect the privacy and confidentiality of YouQuest participants

Email [email protected] for more information.

Volunteer Requirements

Whether you meet these requirements or not, we encourage you to share your interest in us. You may still be a fit for a different prospect with our organization.
- Over “age of majority” in province of opportunity
- Willing to undergo a background or police records check
- Online Application
- Reference Check
- Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector
- Minimum 18 year old

Causes Healthcare, Medical, & Wellness Sports & Recreation

Tags music artandwellbeing senior mental health Community health centre mental health volunteering

📌 Participant Companion (Calgary)
🏢 Volunteer Success
📍 Calgary