Volunteers are

needed
If this sounds like
something you would
like to do. Please give us
a call.

Lisa Gualtieri,
Home Respite
Coordinator
Syracuse VA
Medical Center
800 Irving Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: 315-425-4315
Cell: 315-350-1447
E-mail:
Lisa.gualtieri@va.gov

HOME RESPITE
PROGRAM
Exciting Volunteer Opportunity waiting
you
What is a Respite Volunteer?
Respite Volunteers visit a Veteran in their home approximately 1 to 4
hours per week depending on your schedule and the family needs.
This gives the Caregiver much needed worry-free time away.
Volunteers can expect to:
Provide compassionate care to the Veteran
Be a good listener and communicator
Provide a needed break for the Caregiver
Companionship to the Veteran

Activities that can be performed:
Look at Photos
Help write a Letter to a loved one
Do puzzles
Play a Game (cards etc.)
Listen to Music
Read a Book, Letter aloud
Reminisce about times gone by
Go for a walk
Specialized Training is provided to include:
Clinical Training on working with aging Veterans
Emergency Procedures
Guidelines for the Program
Death and Dying
Understanding caregiver & Veteran needs

Syracuse VA Medical Center 800 Irving Ave, Syracuse 13210
Home Respite
Volunteer Program
Caregivers Volunteers
When will I use the
Home Respite Volunteer Program?
Caregivers may request to have volunteers come
into their home when they need to:
Run errands
Go to the doctor
Go shopping
Visit with friends
Attend community functions
Just need a break
How often can a Home Respite Volunteer
come to my home?
Volunteers are available for home visits between 1
to 4 hours a week.
How will I know my loved one is safe?
Home Respi t e Vol unt eers are personal l y
interviewed and screened by the VA. In addition,
they must complete a clinical training program,
standard volunteer orientation, and a background
investigation. Volunteers are educated about:
Basic information on aging
Special problems of the elderly
Community resources
Emergency procedures
Guidelines/responsibilities of working with
frail and/or elderly individuals

What will I do as a Home Respite Volunteer?
Volunteers may visit a Veteran in his/her home
once or twice a week for a period of 1 to 4 hours a
week to allow the caregiver a much-deserved
break and worry free time away.
Volunteers can expect to:
Provide compassionate care to Veterans
Be a good listener and communicator
Provide a break for the caregiver
Provide companionship to the Veteran
Report any problems to the program
coordinator
What other kinds of activities can I do as a
Home Respite Volunteer?
Volunteers in the Home Respite Volunteer
Program may also:
Teach the individual a simple craft or activity
Read aloud favorite books, magazines or
letters
Look at photos
Help write a letter
Do a puzzle
Play games (cards, etc.)
Reminisce
Listen to music
Start a stamp or coin collection
Go for a walk
How do I become a Home Respite Volunteer?
When you decide you would like to help a
caregiver and his/her loved one, please call
Voluntary Service, Lisa Gualtieri (315) 425-4315
Syracuse VA Medical Center


Phone: 315-425-4315
Cell 315-350-1447
Fax: 315-425-4316
E-mail: lisa.gualtieri@va.gov
800 Irving Ave
Syracuse NY 13210

Lisa Gualtieri, Home Respite Coordinator
Vol unt ary Servi ce
Home Respi t e
Caregi ver
Support Program
The respite volunteer provides
assistance to the Veteran, their
caregivers and their families.
They will visit the Veteran which
provides a much needed break
for the caregiver. This allows the
caregiver to renew their energy
and spirit.



A t r ai ned vol unt eer
wi l l vi si t wi t h your
Vet er an l oved one,
pr ovi di ng
compani onshi p f or
t he Vet er an and
Respi t e f or t he
car egi ver.
Voluntary Service
Syracuse VA Medical Center
800 Irving Ave
Syracuse NY 13210
315-425-4315
Syracuse VA Medical Center
Voluntary Service

Meeting the needs of Veterans and their Caregivers
INTRODUCTION
Are you the primary caregiver of a
Veteran who is living with the
effects of war, is disabled, aging,
or chronically ill?
This program provides you, the
caregiver, with a few hours each
week of time away from your
care giving duties. A volunteer
will be matched with you and will
visit with your Veteran 2-4 hours
per week in the Veterans home.
Caregi ver Support
You take care of your loved one
As a caregiver you:
Make important decisions on behalf of
your Veteran
Provide support and companionship
Prepare meals
Help with bathing and dressing
Help with medication management
Manage appointments
Do household chores

Take care of Yourself
As a caregiver you feel love and affection for the
Veteran you care for, however you may also feel
angry, lonely and exhausted at times. You may
feel you need help, support and encouragement.
The Voluntary Service Home Respite Caregiver
Support Program will match you with a trained
volunteer who will come into your home 2-4
hours per week. They will spend time with your
loved one so that you can have respite . They
will provide you a much needed break which will
help renew your energy and spirit.


Voluntary Service
800 Irving Ave
Syracuse NY 13210
Lisa Gualtieri, Home Respite Coordinator
Phone: 315-425-4315
Fax: 315-425-4316
E-mail: lisa.gualtieri@va.gov
Syracuse VA Medical Center
Respite Volunteers
Successfully complete Federal
fingerprint and investigation
Specialized training received:
Aging process, diseases,
disabilities
Elder abuse & neglect
Emergency preparedness
Death and dying
Understanding caregiver &
Veteran needs