Tri-Cities - Eagle Ridge Acute Care Hospital - Program Activities - Eagle Ridge Hospital - Social Program - One to One Visitor
PROGRAM SUMMARY
The One-to-One Visitor Social Program provides companionship and emotional support to patients/residents who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation, anxiety, or extended hospital stays. Healthcare volunteers offer a friendly presence, engage patients/residents in meaningful conversation and activities, and support the healthcare team by enhancing the overall patient/residents experience through non-clinical assistance.
PROGRAM GOAL
To enhance patients and residents well-being and care experience by reducing feelings of isolation, promoting social connection, and providing compassionate support that contributes to a positive healthcare environment.
LOCATION
Eagle Ridge Hospital (ERH) – Acute Care Units (Medical/Surgical, General Rehabilitation, PATH and other designated patient care areas)
Hours:
2–4 hours per week for a minimum commitment of 6–12 months.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide one-to-one friendly visits with patients/residents who may be isolated, lonely, or without regular family or social support.
- Engage patients/residents in conversation and active listening to promote emotional well-being.
- Support recreational and leisure activities such as reading, puzzles, card games, bedside crafts, music, or reminiscence activities.
- Assist with simple comfort measures within healthcare volunteer scope, such as adjusting pillows, retrieving personal items within reach, or assisting with meal tray set-up as directed by staff.
- Escort patients/residents to approved activities or common areas when requested and appropriate.
- Foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for patients/residents and their families.
- Observe and report non-urgent concerns, changes in mood, or signs of distress to nursing staff or the Volunteer Resources Department.
- Maintain professional boundaries and patient/resident confidentiality at all times.
- Perform duties within established healthcare volunteer role boundaries and never provide clinical care, personal care, or medical assistance.
- Log and document visitation experience with patient and/or resident for next One-to-One Visitior for continuity of patient and/or resident experience.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Follow all infection prevention and control practices, including hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Adhere to Fraser Health policies, procedures, and confidentiality standards, including absence reporting policy.
- Be familiar with emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and hospital/manor Code responses.
- Report safety concerns, incidents, hazards, or accidents immediately to staff.
- Work within the assigned volunteer role and seek staff guidance when unsure of responsibilities.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT
- Minimum age of 19 years.
- Successful completion of Volunteer Resources screening and onboarding requirements.
- Cleared Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
- Completion of all required orientation and training.
- Up-to-date immunization records, including COVID-19 and seasonal influenza requirements.
- Ability to commit to a consistent weekly volunteer schedule for a minimum of 6–12months.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong verbal communication and active listening skills.
- Warm, compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental approach.
- Ability to build rapport with diverse patients/residents, families, staff, and volunteers.
- Knowledge of dementia and delirium disorders is beneficial.
- Emotional maturity and sensitivity to the needs of individuals experiencing illness, recovery, or social isolation.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Comfortable interacting with older adults and individuals with varying physical, cognitive, or emotional needs.
- Sufficient English language proficiency to communicate effectively with patients/residents, visitors, staff, and volunteers.
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
- Volunteer Resources Site Orientation.
- Fraser Health healthcare volunteer policies and procedures.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) training.
- Privacy and Confidentiality training.
- Role-specific training for the Social Program – One-to-One Visitor.
SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT
Health volunteers report to the Volunteer Resources Department Coordinator and receive day-to-day guidance from designated unit staff/LTC Staff. Ongoing support, coaching, and performance feedback will be provided by Volunteer Resources staff and unit representatives.
HEALTHCARE VOLUNTEER BENEFITS OF ROLE
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and residents experiencing loneliness or isolation.
- Gain experience in a healthcare environment.
- Develop communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Learn about patient-centred and resident-centred care.
- Explore healthcare-related career interests and strengthen academic or career applications.
- Receive recognition through volunteer appreciation initiatives and events.
- Opportunity to obtain volunteer references based on performance, commitment, and organizational requirements.
Qualifications Required
- Screening - Interview Must be Completed
- Screening - Reference 1 Must be Completed
- Screening - Reference 2 Must be Completed
- Orientation - Volunteer Impact eModule - Navigating MyImpactPage Tutorial Must be Completed
- Orientation - Learning Hub - Course # [14875]: Fraser Health New Volunteer Must be Completed
- Training - Learning Hub - Course # [12680]: Confidentiality Undertaking Must be Completed
- Training - Learning Hub - Course # [5360]: Hand Hygiene Basics Must be Completed
- Training - Learning Hub - Course # [6667]: Communications 101 Must be Completed
- Orientation - Site: Eagle Ridge Hospital Must be Completed
- Orientation - Site: Eagle Ridge Manor Must be Completed
- Training - Learning Hub - Course # [10853]: Code Red Must be Completed
- Training - Learning Hub - Course # [29687]: Code Silver Must be Completed
Schedule Summary
The next 10 shifts (out of 57 total shifts) for this activity are as follows
| Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, September 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 5:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Monday, September 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Thursday, October 01, 2026 | 2:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Saturday, October 03, 2026 | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Monday, October 05, 2026 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Wednesday, October 07, 2026 | 5:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Thursday, October 08, 2026 | 2:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
