Baycrest Volunteer Handbook
22
• When a client displays a responsive behaviour, try your best to
consider the possible cause. Ask, "What could be contributing
to this behaviour?" Immediately report your observation and
ideas on the triggers to a staff member so that they may follow
up appropriately
• Be aware of sensory deficits and be educated on the best way
to approach an individual experiencing a def
icit
•
Validate and acknowledge a client's feelings and experience
• Keep yourself updated on any pertinent information regarding
the clients you work with through your direct supervisor
• Use a calm and reassuring voice
• Don't talk down to a person as if they were a child
• Don't assume that if a person doesn't respond that they don't
understand or can't hear you
• Participate in training and education acti
vities to increase
awareness
and understanding of Dementia and responsive
behaviours
Remember: "All behaviour has meaning"
If a volunteer feels they are unsafe they must leave that
environment and report it to their supervisor or staff person.
Escorting our clients
Wheelchair transportation
There are tags on the backs of wheelchairs indicating the client's
name, floor or unit where they live, along with other important
information.
How to transport someone in a wheelchair:
• Approach the person in the wheelchair from the front
• Always tell the client first that you're going to move the
wheelchair and where they are being taken
• Volunteers should use two hands to push
the wheelchair and
only
one person should push
