Outpatient dementia service

The Antonius Outpatient Dementia Service will start in January 2024. For this we are still looking for volunteers who are interested in the topic of dementia and would like to support affected people. On the other hand, we would be pleased to hear from you, if you are interested in this offer and would like to use the service.

The name is derived from St. Anthony, who is the patron saint of lost things. In our experience, dementia can be very challenging and stressful, especially for family members. Often, the onset of dementia is accompanied by isolation of families or couples. Those affected report stigmatization and social withdrawal. By organizing lectures and information events, we want to break down prejudices and de-taboo the topic of dementia in Mannheim's urban society.

The volunteers will be trained before they begin their work in order to establish the necessary professionalism. Regular exchange meetings and supervision are planned. The full-time coordinator accompanies the first meeting with the families and acts as a contact person.

Your Tasks

Would you like to volunteer in this area?

• You will receive comprehensive training before your first assignment
• no assumption of nursing tasks
• You visit the demented person at home and spend time together
• The time commitment depends on your possibilities
• You will initially care for one family
• You are integrated into the volunteer network of the Caritasverband Mannheim e.V
• Appreciation and thank you days
• Free membership in the Caritasverband Mannheim e.V.
• Further education offers
• Regular exchange meetings take place
• You are covered by liability insurance

What's needed

- extended certificate of good conduct must be submitted before the start of the volunteer work

- Participation in the basic qualification (5 training sessions)

- Experience in dealing with dementia helpful, but not a prerequisite

Time required

For the initial and familiarization period, one to two hours a week are planned. The time frame depends on your possibilities. In addition, regular exchange meetings and supervision are offered.

Pre-trained volunteers visit families or couples in which at least one person has dementia. They visit those affected in their homes and spend time together  - for example, they could read to them, look at photo albums, sing together, go for a walk or simply talk. In this way, time is given to the relatives and they are relieved.