Logo of MSA Hospital Visitation Program

 

 

Visitor's Corner
May - June 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL MAY/JUNE BIRTHDAYS

 

Donations

   The MSA would like to encourage our Reps not to give monies directly to the VAMC’s unless there is a special project that you want to support. If the amount given indicates comfort items for our Veterans, that is acceptable. To give a donation without any record of where it is to be spent is not encouraged. When we ask lodges to give money we have an obligation to them to know where the funds are to be used.

   If our Reps want to donate to a special project we do request you contact the MSA beforehand for permission. We also encourage you to contact the lodges in your area for donations to fund bigger projects. If the lodges donate to your projects we also ask that the monies be sent to MSA because we are a 501-C-3. We will in turn send the monies back to you or whoever you want them to go to. We will send a thank you to the lodge or donor. We do not keep any of the amount donated.

Zip Code Extenders

We have been requested by the Post Office, when possible, to get the 4 digit zip code extenders on mails that we send. If the mail that comes from the MSA office to you does not have the 4 digit extender please let us know what yours is. We do appreciate your help in this request.

Your Masonic Hospital Visitor

   We will be publishing the Masonic Hospital Visitor in the next few weeks. We do thank you for the pictures sent to MSA and we will try to use as many as possible.

   Please, when sending pictures or other material to the MSA, clearly print who the people are in the pictures so that we can identify them correctly.

   We will try to make your VAMC’s shine and give you bragging rights!

 

DO’s and DON’Ts for Volunteers in the
Caregiver Support Network

  • DO attend orientation, training, and workshops offered through the VA.
  • DO limit your assignment to the services you agreed to perform.
  • DO exercise caution and use common sense and good judgment when performing your services.
  • DO respect the spiritual and religious practices of the care recipient, caregiver, and family. Avoid discussions on religion or our religious preferences.
  • DO report any problems or concerns immediately to your contact person at the VA.
  • DO report any suspicions of abuse. If you suspect any abuse – physical, emotional, sexual, or financial – YOU MUST report it immediately to your contact person at the VA.
  • DO develop a positive working relationship with the care recipient, caregiver, family members, as well as other on-site health care providers, and maintain open communications with them.
  • DO submit any reports or paperwork to the Home Health Coordinator or other appropriate VA Staff as required.
  • DO know that steps should be taken in case of an emergency. Ask the home Health Coordinator, family members, or other appropriate VA staff what you should do to handle an emergency.
  • DO maintain trust and confidentiality by maintaining the caregiver’s and care recipient’s personal issues and information confidential, except in the case of an emergency.
  • DO inform your contact person at the VA if you are unable to keep an appointment for your visit with the veteran or caregiver.
  • DON’T perform “hands-on” or personal care services, such as lifting or positioning the veteran, bathing, toileting, massage, etc.
  • DON’T give prescription or over-the-counter medications, or offer medical advice while on assignment.
  • DON’T try to perform a service if you are not sure how to do it, of if you should do it, or any service that may endanger the veteran or caregiver.
  • DON’T offer to take the person to the hospital. In case of a medical emergency, call 911, or the primary caregiver and family members.
  • DON”T offer your opinions in family matters. All decisions about the care recipient should be made by the primary caregiver, other family members and the veteran’s health care providers.
  • DON’T cash checks or sign any legal papers with or for the care recipient or caregiver.
  • DON’T accept money or any gift of value. Suggest a donation to the VA if the veteran, caregiver, or family wishes to show support and appreciation.
  • DON’T transport the veteran care recipient in your vehicle.

Thank You For Volunteering!

            As a Volunteer Support Caregiver, you are a vital part of a network of family, friends, social service and health professionals, and other concerned individuals who provide comfort and assistance to homebound veterans. You have entered into a very rewarding volunteer assignment. We hope your volunteer experience will be as meaningful to you as it is to the veteran and their caregiver.