The Direct Patient Care Volunteer provides respite to the caregivers and companionship to the patient. Interactions are consistent with the patient plan of care. The Patient Care Volunteer confers with the VM prior to a first visit for orientation and review of the volunteer request for service and consults with the staff as necessary. Thereafter, activities are based on an assessment and plans developed by the IDG, and may include, but are not limited to:
- Visits offering companionship, emotional support, and friendship
- Reading, writing letters, playing games
- Staying with the patient to allow family/caregiver to run errands or have an outing
- Childcare to relieve a caregiver
- Telephone reassurance
- Household assistance and errand
