A & O This Full House Volunteer

This Full House is the first and only program of its kind in Canada and is designed to assist older adults whose "stuff" fills their homes and limits their lives. This Full House is a voluntary program that helps individuals 55+ experiencing hoarding behaviours to live safely in their homes.

Our volunteers, together with our social work staff, help people learn skills that will create lasting change in their home environment and their life.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Become educated on compulsive hoarding and Hoarding Disorder.


• Provide 1:1 support to clients during sorting sessions.


• Assist clients in practicing skills and strategies as directed by Social Worker.


• Complete written summary for each client session, to be provided to assigned Social Worker in a timely manner.


• Discuss ongoing training and skill development with Volunteer Coordinator.


• Notify client and Volunteer Coordinator if scheduled sessions need to be rescheduled or cancelled.

• A willingness to help older adults who are experiencing compulsive hoarding or Hoarding Disorder.


• An open mind and a willingness to learn.


• Good interpersonal communication and listening skills.


• Working knowledge of services available to older adults through A & O and other agencies.


• Ability to show initiative and commitment.


• Ability to be sensitive to experiences and issues involved with hoarding in older adults.


• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with respect to client related information (as per the A & O confidentiality policy)


• Must complete Criminal Record and Adult Abuse Registry searches.

• Orientation to agency programs, policies, and procedures


• Orientation to TFH program and the issue of hoarding


• Ongoing training/workshops available for TFH volunteers

Great experience for individuals wanting to work with older adults or in mental health related fields, such as social work.

Time Requirement : Must be available minimum two hours per week.

Commitment: Due to the sensitivity and training involved in this work, A & O requires minimum of a one year commitment following the completion of the training program.