SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health has awarded a grant of $700,000 to the California Association of Health Facilities to develop a template for the creation and sustainment of volunteer programs in skilled nursing facilities.

The CAHF Volunteer Engagement Project will provide a framework for facilities to engage their communities and create a successful and ongoing volunteer program. Beginning in July 2018, the project will span two and a half years and support the implementation of an intensive pilot volunteer program in 20 skilled nursing facilities.

“The presence of a robust volunteer program in a skilled nursing center improves quality of life by providing companionship and individualized activities that are resident-driven,” said Amanda Davidson, volunteer engagement project manager. “The project will identify effective, positive, person-centered practices supported by volunteers and promote them in an idea guide as a resource,” she added.

The comprehensive state-specific handbook will be available free to any of California’s 1,250 skilled nursing facilities wishing to implement a successful, sustainable volunteer program.

The grant is funded from nursing home fines collected by the California Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification Division and deposited in a federal Civil Monetary Penalty Fund.

For more information, contact Volunteer Engagement Project Manager Amanda Davidson.