DO
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Do call ahead of your appointment time to confirm your schedule. Your client will come to rely on your contact and look forward to your visit.
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Do be aware of your client’s health. If they appear ill, encourage them to call their doctor and/or family. If you deem it necessary, contact the Volunteer Chore Program Director for additional assistance or re-assessment. If the situation calls for immediate action, you may call 911.
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Do be a good listener. Remember that the time you spend with your client is very meaningful to them.
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Do let your client know your time commitments/limits. Be assertive, but kind, about their expectations. It is okay to say “No”.
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Do consider contributing a written account of your volunteer experience. The Volunteer Chore Program and the Volunteer Center of Whatcom County rely on stories for presentations to prospective volunteers and funders.
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Do respect the confidentiality of your client for his or her safety, don’t reveal client addresses or phone numbers. Your client may reveal personal information to you. Respect your client’s privacy.
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Do give the client the office phone number for the Volunteer Chore Program. If you are providing a one-time service, such as hanging curtains, you may not want to give out your home or work phone number. Instead, you may give the office phone number of the Volunteer Chore Program.
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Do give your home or work phone number to your client only if you feel comfortable with this arrangement. This is not required of you.
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Do ask your client if he or she would object to your children accompanying you before you bring them. Some clients are not comfortable with children in their homes.
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Do tell others about the Volunteer Chore Program; we always have a need for more volunteers! Spread the word that you enjoy working with your client, and remember that you commitment allows your client to remain in his or her home.
DON’T
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Do not agree to assist beyond your comfort level (i.e., physical demands, time commitment, tasks that you do not enjoy doing, etc.)
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Do not accept money from your client. If the client wants to pay something, suggest a donation to his or her favorite charity or to the Volunteer Chore Program.
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Do not accept gas money. apply for mileage reimbursement instead.
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Do not transport a client if you do not have a current driver’s license and auto insurance as required by law.
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Do not recommend over-the-counter medications or home remedies. You may not be fully aware of your client’s medical circumstances or his or her established medical program.
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Do not help your client in taking any of his or her regular medications. You do not want to be responsible for your client taking the wrong medication or the wrong amount.
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Do not assist with any personal care tasks such as bath assistance, bathing supervision, nail (hand or toes) care, hair washing, hair cuts or giving permanents. This cannot be emphasized enough. NEVER assist with any of the above tasks.
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Do not assist with transferring a bed-bound or wheelchair-bound person. This could be dangerous to both you and the client.
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Do not become involved in any way with your client’s finances, such as bill paying. If you shop for your client, return both the change and receipt to the client.