How IVC Volunteers Handle Challenging Interactions

IVC’s Volunteer Spotlight:

Jeff Brown, who started volunteering with IVC in 2017 after retiring, recently shared his stellar approach to challenging encounters.

The vast majority of care receivers he's engaged with are receptive and appreciative and he really enjoys hearing their perspective and life stories. As an actor and playwright, Jeff is naturally skilled at leaning into to care receivers who want to talk about their lives. 

On the very rare occasions Jeff experiences challenging interactions with a care receiver he keeps an open mind and heart and doesn't take it personally. He understands there are times when care receivers are struggling from pain, loss of independence, or confusion and finds that maintaining a calm, caring demeanor while keeping his boundaries intact softens interactions. Jeff said he finds that being patient with care receivers often builds trust that opens up communication.

He likened it to his time as a baseball umpire. Regardless of the players or spectators reaction - he focused on his role and maintained a steady presence as he made various calls.

We're so grateful to Jeff for sharing his experience with us and to all of our volunteers for stepping into vulnerable circumstances with our care receivers every day.

Thank you to Jeff and all of our IVC Volunteers!