Introduction

Action Ideas That Work

Volunteer Driver Training Program
    Welcome / Introduction
    Who Are We Serving,
    Who Are We
    Challenges for Caregivers in
    Regards to Transportation
    Potential Challenges for
    Volunteer Drivers
     - Listening
     - Communication
     - Sensitivity
     - Preventing Agitation
     - Dealing with Agitation
     - Providing Physical Assistance
     - Boundaries
     - Safety Considerations for
       Volunteer Drivers
     - Emergency Procedures
   Transportation Specifics
   for Leaders
     - Risk Management
     - Insurance for Volunteers
     - Insurance and Liability
       Concerns
    Materials Needed to Teach
    Conclusion

Resource Sheets

Resources / Links

Boundaries

Setting boundaries with clients requires assertiveness. It is necessary to do this in a compassionate, unhurried manner. Examples: “I wish I could stay longer, but I need to go now”; “I cannot take you to the mall and the grocery store today. We’ve just come from the doctor’s office and my schedule can’t do more today. Please call and make an appointment for someone to help you with that though”.

Now, of course, we all know persons who will take a little kindness and will drain us of all we have to offer. This is not how the majority will function, yet when someone continues to plead or demand more and more of you, practice firm assertiveness (as stated in the examples above, yet with you possibly needing to repeat this same answer several times, not waivering on your initial statement.) And of course, doing all of this in a kind way to be respectful.

Assertiveness is very different from aggressiveness and in the same fashion is also very different from being passive.

Examples of aggressiveness: “What?! I’ve already done enough for you today. Call someone else!”; “You can’t keep asking me to do more and more. I’ve already completed my assigned task with you?” These aggressive statements will often close the person down from desiring to call for transportation from this program ever again.

Examples of passiveness: “Well, I did say I could not do that today, but since you insist, I will take you there”. This creates a feeling of defeat in the person who is volunteering, a feeling of not being heard nor respected for their boundaries they were trying to express. This type of situation will often create negative feelings as the volunteer feels they don’t have control.
Simplify things by making the minor decisions. Example: “You stay right here while I park the car. I’ll be right back”. This again is an assertive and appropriate statement.

Setting boundaries is essential. Otherwise burn out and/or resentment occur from you giving more than you had planned. This is different from having extra time and giving it. On the contrary, this is NOT having extra time BUT giving it away regardless.