Volunteer Application Of Compass (Page 4 of 6) in pdf

Volunteer Application Of Compass Page 4

Wheelchair (W/C) Safety Rules

Please follow them for your own safety as well as the safety of the resident.

1. Inform resident that you are going to "push" their w/c before you begin any movement

and state where you are taking them.

2. Never come up from behind and surprise a resident.

3. Push slowly. Do not cut corners. Be mindful of surroundings.

4. Watch elbows when going around a corner and remind resident to place arms/hands in

w/c while escorting to destination of choice.

5. Make sure resident's feet are secure on foot rests.

6. Never push and let go of the wheelchair or let wheelchair roll down an incline.

7. Report unsafe or broken wheelchairs to staff.

8. Let the resident know when you are leaving them.

9. Do not pull residents backwards down hallway. (OK if going over door threshold for

safety)

VOLUNTEER INSERVICE

Tools to effectively interact with someone who has a…

1. Hearing Impairment:

a. Some residents utilize the art of reading lips and it is important to face the resident

and enunciate words.

b. It is helpful to decrease the amount of background noise.

c. When in group activities place near entertainer/speaker.

d. Write out communication on white board/paper.

e. Utilize gestures/sign language.

f. Place closed captioning on TV.

g. Use amplifier/headphones.

2. Vision Impairment:

a. If resident has glasses make sure they are clean.

b. Offer magnifying device(s).

c. Use “clock method” to describe where things are located.

d. Offer large print items: including playing cards, newsprint, & books.

e. Provide audio books, or offer to read to resident.

f. Due to vision impairment often times it is helpful to describe surroundings to the

resident. (i.e. Describe to them sizes/shapes/colors/environment/etc.)

Volunteer Application Of Compass Page 4