As Re-engage volunteers, it might be hard sometimes to judge what is within the limits or boundaries of your role and manage expectations accordingly.  

Please read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow. You’ll find the answers at the bottom of the page. 

Scenario 

Iris, who is 85, is a Re-engage tea party guest. She has been part of her tea party group for many years. Iris lives alone and has no close family members around to visit her, so going to tea parties has always been something for her to look forward to. Victor, the volunteer driver for the group, drives Iris to the tea parties and back home safely every month.  Recently, Victor has noticed that getting into and out of the car has become increasingly  difficult for Iris.  Over time he has become more than a supporting arm for her, even lifting her into and out of the car to make sure that she hasn’t missed any of the tea parties. He is happy to help Iris and has never complained or shared any concerns with anyone because he knows how happy she is when she meets her friends and how this affects her wellbeing. Victor considers it as an act of kindness and this makes him happy in return. 

Questions:  

1.  Do you think that Victor has worked within the limits and boundaries of his specific role?  

a. Yes
b. No
c. Not sure
 

2.  What would you do differently if you were in Victor’s place?     

a. Nothing, I would do as Victor has been doing.
b. I would explain the situation to my group coordinator to find out whether there are other ways to help Iris.  
c. I would ask my group coordinator to allocate another older person to me. 
 

3.  What is within a volunteer driver’s role and responsibilities? (More than one answer may apply)  

a. To provide a supportive arm, but the older guests must be able to move themselves into and out of the  passenger seat.  
b. To help the older guests in fastening the seatbelt from the driver’s seat. 
c. To open the passenger door fully and hold it so it does not swing shut. 
d. To let the older person hold or hug them around your neck whilst supporting them. 

Answers:  

The relationships that our volunteers make with older people can develop into true friendships over time and it can be easy to forget that we represent a charity. Having a clear understanding of what is expected of you in your role – and what is not – will help ensure your safety and the safety of those you support. 

Q1: b 

Victor hasn’t worked within the boundaries and limits of his role. Victor should only be a supportive arm. Lifting the older person is not safe and may cause serious harm to both the older person and himself. It's important to know that, to be fit to attend a tea party, the older person should be able to get in and out of a car independently, or with a helping hand, and be able to cope with a few steps into a host’s home. You can find the conditions an older person should meet to join a  tea party group on our website.  

Q2: b    

If you notice that it's gradually becoming difficult for an older person to get into and out of your car, and you become more than a supportive arm for them, you should discuss this with your group coordinator. There are other ways Re-engage can support the older person. For example, they can join our call companions service. 

 Q3: a, b, c

As a driver, you can be a supportive arm, help an older person fasten the seat belt, hold the passenger door so that, if they need a bit of more support, they can hold onto the door. But you must never let the older person you are assisting hold or hug you around your neck while you are supporting them. This could cause serious injury to both the older guest and you. 

Please refer to the boundaries and managing expectations section in the volunteers’ handbook.  

For more information about a drivers’ role and responsibilities, please refer to the driver training section on our website, as well as to the driver guidelines.