LisaRee 0 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Hi everyone. It's been a long time since my last post but I have something to get off of my chest. I thought maybe some of you guys would understand my frustration. With the kids being out of school for the summer, alot of staff had asked me about their kids volunteering once or twice a week in our activity dept. I had 5 kids (pre-teen) who were coming once or twice a week, interacting with our residents, helping activity aides out with coffee, juice, helping get residents to and from they're rooms if need be. The residents loved seeing them, especially our alzheimers residents but now I've been told that they can not come because they're a "liability". Well...mmmkay! If our volunteers are a liability, isn't everyone who walks into the building? I tried to explain how I had the parents fill out a parental concent form, but I was told that even that meant nothing "in a court of law" and they could still sue if one of them got hurt. If everyone is a liability then they should put bars on the windows and doors and turn this place into a jail! I tried and tried to explain how much the residents love interacting with these kids, but it didn't work and I was so pissed I was about to cry, so I noded my head ok and left the room. I hated to let the parents know that they couldn't return. I've given this alot of thought and tears but I just don't know what I can do about it. The Powers That Be have spoken and thats all there is to it. I've been here for nearly 10 years now, but after this I'm honestly thinking of turning in my notice. What a crock! I'm just pissed!--LisaRee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themusiclady 1 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 I know if your corporate bosses have spoken there's probably not much you can do there and now, but one of the US leading alzheimer's care providers Silverado Senior has the exact opposite policy, all children are welcome and encouraged to be involved in the life of the unit. Maybe if someone looked at that, and how they meet their public liability issues, they would see another set of ideas? 'Quality of risk' where risk assessment is done based upon what benefits overall an activity provides. Commiserations for your excellent project being canned, I hear your frustration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyGait 0 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Hello LisaRee, It's Friday! Now that should get you some "happy" thoughts going at least. In regards to your frustration, I can tell you as a former Administrator that 'the liability' answer is pretty much standard in most places. Unfortunately, someone way back when probably filed a lawsuit or something and now all of us have to be a little more careful than we used to be. I can't agree with you more on the power of having kids around and the instant benefits they have on the residents. Most communities also have a little more than a form for their volunteer program in order to cover their rears if ya know what I mean. Some will even do background checks! Anyway, I'm sure there's a lot of people out there who feel your pain and can jump into the rant, but don't jump ship yet to another place because you might see the same thing. Those residents' there need ya - -keep up the good work you're doing! Chuck MyGait Hi everyone. It's been a long time since my last post but I have something to get off of my chest. I thought maybe some of you guys would understand my frustration. With the kids being out of school for the summer, alot of staff had asked me about their kids volunteering once or twice a week in our activity dept. I had 5 kids (pre-teen) who were coming once or twice a week, interacting with our residents, helping activity aides out with coffee, juice, helping get residents to and from they're rooms if need be. The residents loved seeing them, especially our alzheimers residents but now I've been told that they can not come because they're a "liability". Well...mmmkay! If our volunteers are a liability, isn't everyone who walks into the building? I tried to explain how I had the parents fill out a parental concent form, but I was told that even that meant nothing "in a court of law" and they could still sue if one of them got hurt. If everyone is a liability then they should put bars on the windows and doors and turn this place into a jail! I tried and tried to explain how much the residents love interacting with these kids, but it didn't work and I was so pissed I was about to cry, so I noded my head ok and left the room. I hated to let the parents know that they couldn't return. I've given this alot of thought and tears but I just don't know what I can do about it. The Powers That Be have spoken and thats all there is to it. I've been here for nearly 10 years now, but after this I'm honestly thinking of turning in my notice. What a crock! I'm just pissed!--LisaRee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaRee 0 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 I appreciate the feedback. I'm still alittle frustrated, but I suppose that will pass. Thanks for your input, Chuck. I'm not one to jump ship too quickly so I guess I'll buck up and get over it. Thanks again, LisaRee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingston64 0 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Hi everyone. It's been a long time since my last post but I have something to get off of my chest. I thought maybe some of you guys would understand my frustration. With the kids being out of school for the summer, alot of staff had asked me about their kids volunteering once or twice a week in our activity dept. I had 5 kids (pre-teen) who were coming once or twice a week, interacting with our residents, helping activity aides out with coffee, juice, helping get residents to and from they're rooms if need be. The residents loved seeing them, especially our alzheimers residents but now I've been told that they can not come because they're a "liability". Well...mmmkay! If our volunteers are a liability, isn't everyone who walks into the building? I tried to explain how I had the parents fill out a parental concent form, but I was told that even that meant nothing "in a court of law" and they could still sue if one of them got hurt. If everyone is a liability then they should put bars on the windows and doors and turn this place into a jail! I tried and tried to explain how much the residents love interacting with these kids, but it didn't work and I was so pissed I was about to cry, so I noded my head ok and left the room. I hated to let the parents know that they couldn't return. I've given this alot of thought and tears but I just don't know what I can do about it. The Powers That Be have spoken and thats all there is to it. I've been here for nearly 10 years now, but after this I'm honestly thinking of turning in my notice. What a crock! I'm just pissed!--LisaRee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingston64 0 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Lisa As someone who has had to work through the whole junior volunteer thing I understand your frustration. Have you thought about having family members or residents/ resident council address the issue with administration. They could either draft a formal letter or ask for a meeting face to face. Also, your local ombudsman may be able to help. If you make this a resident issue that it is something that they enjoy and want, AND ARE ENTITLED TO you may have a shot. Anyway, good luck and hang in there. Thom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aza9 0 Report Share Posted August 9, 2009 Volunteer are an activity department biggest asset!! Not sure why we turn them away. I know another AD that had a similar situation. A couple week after the news that should couldn't have volutneers because of the liability, she went back to her administrator with a plan. She created a comprehensive volunteer training program with rules and regualtion, policies and procedures. SHe did creat a youth program, but had parents consent and sign a wavier form basically stating they are volunteers , not getting paid, working at there own risk. It worked and know she has a great program. Just a thought... hope it helps a liitle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrispatrice 0 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 I agree! I would be upset as well. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do if "The Powers that Be" told you that your younger volunteers are a liablility. The volunteer age limit at my facility is 16 so I really can understand your frustration, but that only limits me with signing off on volunteer hours. I can have young volunteers, but they don't get the hours. According to my corporate director we must embrace the interaction of young children and the elderly. National Nursing Home Week 2009: Nurturing a Love that Lasts even promoted the use of an event with children and elders. Nursing Homes aren't prisons and if they enjoy your younger volunteers they should have the right to be around them. Patrice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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