YouQuest Young Onset Dementia Association (Participant Companion)

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

Did you know that some dementias occur as early as 40s and 50s? … Like anyone else, younger people with dementia enjoy engaging with others … YOU can help them have a good day, each day!     What is YouQuest? YouQuest is a community for people with young-onset dementia (diagnosed before age 65) and their families.  Our purpose is to promote health and well-being by ensuring access to recreation therapy, counselling, and peer support. YouQuest offers a place to belong. It is a reliable support network for caregivers, providing them with a break from caring responsibilities.   A registered charity, YouQuest organizes activities for people in this younger population group. Our recreation therapy staff and volunteers provide functional support to help participants achieve well-being, learn new skills, and maintain their independence.   Who are the YouQuest Participants? YouQuest is designed to appeal to younger people with dementia who want to be active and social in a community. Inclusion criteria includes: Diagnosis of dementia and/or symptoms before age 65 Safe in an unsecured environment Self-ambulatory and medically stable Independent with meals and medication Willing and able to participate safely in individual and group recreation activities   What’s a Typical Day at YouQuest? Interacting with participants and staff as part of our team Actively participating in recreation activities Anticipating participant needs and learning their life stories Support participant independence and decision-making abilities   Service days:                      Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Volunteer Shifts:              3+ hours morning, afternoon, or full day Schedule:                            Weekly, monthly (your choice!) Location:                             Calgary Jewish Community Centre Nutrition:                            Snacks/Lunch provided; enjoyed with participants   Is YouQuest a Fit for You? Do you… Have a positive, enthusiastic attitude? Value supporting participant’s independence? Communicate easily in a calm, reliable and compassionate manner? Have a desire to learn/implement strategies that support participants to express themselves? ‘Go with the flow’ for flexible and proactive support of participants? Respect the privacy and confidentiality of YouQuest participants and families?