Volunteer Honorarium: Casual Standardized Patient; Simulated Person

Overview

The Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton (ASSL) is a community support service organization that provides programs and services to people living with dementia and their care partners in Sarnia-Lambton. We work closely with other service providers to ensure quality care and support for our clients. We employ administrative and fund development staff, educators, social workers, nurses, therapeutic recreation staff, personal support workers and volunteers who work together as a team to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their care partners.

We recognize the value and dignity of each individual and ensure everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment, where the rights of all individuals and groups are protected and all members feel safe, respected, empowered, and valued for their contributions.

Our values include justice and connection and are the guideposts we use for decision-making of all kinds. We believe that this will guide the organization toward a place of inclusion for all – where equity and access to essential supports and services becomes the reality.

As a Casual Standardized Patient (Simulated Persons) you will support therapeutic simulations and caregiver training programs, including the CARERS Program and the Enhancing Care Program, delivered both in-person and virtually in Sarnia and Chatham. A Simulated Person (SP) is a trained individual who portrays patients, caregivers, or healthcare providers in realistic, structured scenarios. These simulations are used for therapeutic, educational, and evaluative purposes, supporting both caregivers of individuals with dementia and the healthcare professionals who serve them.

SPs are a vital part of the Reitman Centre’s work, helping to build communication skills, emotional resilience, and caregiving confidence through evidence-based programming.

• Simulate all aspects of a scenario, including affect, behavior, and physical findings, accurately and consistently as per training protocols.
• Collaborate with program facilitators and clinicians during group sessions.
• Extract key details from caregiver discussions to shape ad hoc scenario portrayals in therapeutic groups and adjust emotional and behavioral responses based on participants’ interactions.
• Provide constructive feedback to caregivers, learners, and colleagues following Reitman Centre guidelines.
• Work both in-person and virtually. Maintain a flexible schedule and willingness to travel to Chatham-Kent & within Lambton County.

Start Date:

End Date:

Length of Commitment: Minimum commitment is 2 years

Time Commitment: Casual, flexible availability required. This is a minimum recurring annual commitment, requiring participation for a minimum of eight weeks each year, with sessions lasting 2.5 hours per week.

Total Days Needed:

Minimum Age

Required:

18 years old

Training

Required:

First Aid & CPR (preferred)

Training Provided: Participate in Reitman Centre educational and training programs/workshops, simulating realistic caregiver scenarios for healthcare professional training.

• Skills Required: Background in acting, healthcare, social work, or education is an asset (not required).