Dementia Adventure
Dementia Adventure Holiday Supporters travel to one of our holiday locations across the UK and support the running of a five day residential holiday (usually Monday-Friday) for people living with dementia and their carers. Enabling them to get outdoors, connect with nature, themselves and their community, and retain a sense of adventure in their lives. The opportunity involves:
1. Supporting a person living with dementia and their carer on their holiday (there is no expectation to provide personal care)
2. Being an extra pair of hands, supporting both partners with as little or as much assistance as they require with tasks such as unpacking/packing, physical support and guidance, support at meals
times, support during activities
3. Meeting the Dementia Adventure team at the holiday location. Volunteers may be asked to collect or escort couples/other volunteers on the journey
4. If needed, taking a person living with dementia through a photo album, listening to some music with them, reading sections of particular books and so on. This could offer their carer a break for
an hour or two or may be required to divert their attention if they’re feeling restless/anxious/tired during the day
5. Supporting the Adventure Leader in ensuring guests are appropriately dressed for the weather for example, are they wearing enough layers for a cold/wet day or are they wearing sun cream and a hat for a hot day?
6. Working together as a team to support all the activities planned in the itinerary such as trips, walks and tours and ensure they are tailored to the specific needs of the group
7. Working together as a team to support mealtimes. This may include cooking meals, preparing packed lunches and supporting clients
8. Assisting the Adventure Leader in encouraging the clients to participate in the holidays as much as possible, for example encouraging them to get ready in the morning, to participate in activities, to eat and drink and to go to bed at night
9. Participating in a daily report each day of the holiday, recording what is said/how people reacted/important things to note
10. Administering first aid (training provided), should the need arise
11. Taking photos and/or videos on behalf of Dementia Adventure and sharing them after the holiday
12. Completing feedback forms and debriefs after each holiday
13. Any more support required by the Volunteer Co-ordinator/Adventure Leader
14. Undertaking any essential training in line with Dementia Adventure’s policies and procedures