Volunteer information

Would You like to be a Volunteer?

Volunteers work toward CBC goals by becoming advocates in nursing homes, joining the speaker's bureau, and helping with office work. The need for quality long term care has never been more essential. Volunteers and employees of Citizens for Better Care strive to help ensure this need is met.

If you are interested in volunteering with Citizens for Better Care, contact us at 1-866-485-9393.  We will discuss the many opportunities available and send you an application. 

Volunteer Ombudsman/Advocate

Ombudsman, or Advocates, are individuals who commit to visit residents in nursing homes to listen, educate, advocate, and empower residents and their families.  They help monitor conditions in the home and agree to a one-year commitment to visit a selected home (or homes) two to three times per month. 

Volunteer advocates in the Citizens for Better Care Long Term Care Ombudsman program uphold the rights of Michigan's nursing home residents. CBC volunteers work to ensure that residents are treated in the same way people who live at home take for granted. Trained volunteer advocates are the key to CBC's program. It is a serious volunteer job which can have a meaningful effect on the lives of nursing home residents.

In many nursing homes the volunteer advocate is seen as an educational resource for staff as well as residents.

Volunteer Advocate Training

Volunteers attend at least six hours of training before they are assigned to a nursing home. Training acquaints them with life in nursing homes. This orientation includes information on:

• Philosophy of the CBC Ombudsman Program
• Characteristics of Nursing Homes
• Resident's Rights
• Licensing and Regulation of Nursing Homes
• Problems in Nursing Homes
• The Role of Volunteer Advocates
• Communication Skills
• Nursing Home Visit Protocol

Additional trainings are held regularly. Topics range from how to organize family councils to updates on new legislation. They also let volunteers meet and share experience. Volunteers initially visit their assigned nursing home with a staff member, someone they can continue to count on for guidance.

Elder Abuse Prevention Education Volunteer

Elder Abuse Prevention Volunteers travel to various community centers, colleges, and long term care facilities to educate and inform people how to prevent, identify, and report suspected cases of abuse to the elderly.  Presentation materials and training are provided to you and events are scheduled by our Elder Abuse Coordinator. 

A background in public speaking is recommended. 

Other Volunteer Opportunities:

Each CBC office has volunteer needs that enhance our work. Volunteers who:

• answer phones
• help us with filing, mailings and other office procedures
• represent CBC at a health fair
• help with a fund-raising event

How Do I Become A Volunteer?

Call your nearest CBC office. You will be sent an informational packet that includes an application. Or print out the page here for the volunteer application, and the permission to perform background check.  Please fill out and mail or fax it to the office you would like to volunteer at. After your application is received, you will receive a phone call to establish a time to meet with a CBC staff person to discuss the job further and determine if it is right for you. 

Created on 09/19/2004 07:37 AM by admin Updated on 08/16/2005 09:54 AM by admin