Sign Up
 
 

“Two’s Company” – Dining Program

Kensington Gardens is a Long Term Care Facility in a culturally vibrant Toronto neighbourhood. We are home to 350 residents who reflect the multicultural diversity of our city.  Our facility is located just steps away from the St. George Campus at College St. and Brunswick Ave.

The goal of Kensington Gardens is to provide a fresh new approach to long-term care. It all begins with the focus we place on providing true care, rather than treatment, or therapy like traditional nursing homes built on the medical model. Kensington Gardens encourages autonomy and independence for all of our residents, with the intent of improving quality of life.

Sharing a meal is an important part of all cultures. We celebrate, work, visit and communicate with food. It brings us together as a community. Assisting with a meal is a meaningful way to spend time with a resident at Kensington Gardens. Residents appreciate the help and look forward to seeing you in a social atmosphere.
Students who become a “Two’s Company” volunteer with Kensington’s Dining Program will enjoy getting to know residents around the enjoyment of a meal. You will contribute to the wellbeing of a senior who looks forward to seeing you and appreciates your help. And you will become part of a vital community that, like all of us, loves to eat and celebrates with food!

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Help resident to and from dining room
• Support independent eating by cutting food, helping with utensils etc.
• Offer guidance
• Give food to resident if required
• Interact with resident in a conversational atmosphere
• Observe and ensure resident is swallowing food, report any concern to Registered Nurse on duty
• Report any significant changes or concern to supervisor

REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete Volunteer Training program
• Complete Two’s Company, Kensington’s Dining Assistance Training session
• Sociable and friendly, comfortable with older people
• Patience and understanding
• Attend additional training that is applicable to position.

COMMITMENT: Volunteers are asked to make a six month commitment and volunteer a minimum of two meals a week. Lunch is served at 12:00 pm and dinner at 5:00 pm. Dining assistance takes approximately 45 minutes, maximum an hour.

For your information, it is our policy that volunteers over 18 years of age provide a police reference check. All volunteers must provide 2 Step TB Test results, two references and attend a Volunteer Training Sessions.