Stony Plain Volunteer Centre

Caregivers Alberta empowers Albertans who provide care to family and friends at home or in a community setting. We provide education, support caregivers’ wellbeing, and advocate for public policy.

Every day,  Albertans face challenges associated with aging, illness, mental and emotional health, or disability. But navigating healthcare and social support can be complex. So, unpaid family and friend caregivers step in to fill the gaps. Unfortunately, in doing so, many caregivers become overwhelmed and feel like they have to face everything alone.

In rural areas of the province where health and social supports are typically limited, we see caregivers, and especially senior caregivers, struggle more and more. We believe that people over the age of 65 bring invaluable empathy and experience to our team and that seniors are the best people to advocate for other seniors.

The Senior Caregiver Ambassador volunteer role is for older adults (55+) and seniors (65+) who want to help support caregivers in their community.

There are many ways to make a positive impact as an Ambassador. When you join the team, you will choose how to make that impact based on your skills, experience, and comfort level.

Here are some of the ways you can support senior caregivers as an Ambassador:

- share our brochures with caregivers or at local medical clinics and community facilities (libraries, seniors residences, clubs, etc)
- help arrange presentations so our staff can share about the programs we have that support caregivers
- inform us when senior-focused or healthcare-focused events are happening in their community so that we can participate
- help out at our information table at community events and conferences
- share your caregiving story for use on our communications channels (newsletter, website, or social media)
- advocate for solutions to the issues that affect caregivers

Education/Knowledge Required
No specific education or knowledge is required; training is provided. If Ambassadors have a background in public advocacy or networking, we welcome those skills, but there are many activities one can do as an Ambassador that simply require a positive attitude and a desire to support the local community.

Benefits to the Volunteer
Ambassador volunteers will benefit from:
- staying active in their communities
- networking and developing connections with other seniors and facilities in the community
- supporting their neighbours and friends who are caregivers
- opportunities to connect to other Ambassadors and the organization regularly
- opportunities to take part in events and lunch and learns
- use their skills in a way that supports other seniors

Time commitment required
The Senior Caregiver Ambassador role is flexible. Ambassadors choose their activities and time commitment to align with their personal lives and other priorities. Some Ambassadors have an hour or two to give each month, and some Ambassadors have more. We welcome any and all participation!

For more information visit https://www.caregiversalberta.ca/volunteer/senior-caregiver-ambassador/  or contact Carole at volunteer@caregiversalberta.ca or 780-453-5088