Volunteer Services Unit- RAH, HRC, RHP

Dementia Care Companion

(RAH & Hampstead Sites Only)

As a Dementia Care Companion, you play a vital role in improving the hospital experience for patients living with dementia or experiencing delirium. Through calm, structured, and person-centred companionship, you support patients to feel safe, valued, and connected during their hospital stay.

This role was purposefully designed to complement clinical care by reducing distress, supporting emotional wellbeing, and helping patients maintain a sense of connection with their community and identity. By providing meaningful engagement, maintaining familiar routines and interests, and offering calm, consistent presence, Dementia Care Companions help create safer wards, better patient experiences, and improved staff wellbeing.

Your contribution supports CALHN’s commitment to compassionate, inclusive, and high-quality care and plays an important role in improving outcomes for some of our most vulnerable patients.

Duties

• Participate in meaningful, person-centred activities such as arts and crafts that promote engagement, comfort, and wellbeing.
• Spend time chatting, listening, and reminiscing with patients to provide emotional reassurance, connection, and support.
• Undertake activities appropriate to each individual, including listening to music, watching familiar programs, playing cards or board games, or completing puzzles.
• Read books, newspapers, or other materials with patients to promote orientation, enjoyment, and cognitive engagement.
• Guide and orient patients within the hospital environment where required to reduce confusion and anxiety.
• Provide practical, non-clinical support that helps reduce risk and supports the patient’s physical wellbeing.
• Support patients to maintain familiar routines, interests, and preferences wherever possible.
• Liaise with patients, families, and staff as requested to share relevant non-clinical information that supports a person-centred approach, including individual preferences and routines.

Hours of Service

Shift times:                  A session of 2–3 hours, scheduled between 9:30am and 4:00pm.

Days:                           Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Location of shift:         Inpatient Wards at RAH and HRC sites.