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GAP Mission Statement   GAP Constitution 
Geriatric Assessment Program
Constitution


The Constitution defines the Geriatric Program's duties and responsibilities

Medical Responsibilities
  • Volunteers must attend a training session
  • Volunteers must not release any information concerning their residents
  • Volunteers must keep in mind that they are perceived as health care professionals, and as such, their actions and statements will reflect those of GAP and Yale University.
  • Although volunteers are perceived as health care professionals, they are not physicians; therefore, they will not advise patients regarding medications or treatments, nor contradict any physician's decision.
  • The volunteer is to do nothing when an elderly resident refuses or expresses discomfort.
  • Blood pressures will be taken weekly using standard sphygmomanometers and stethoscopes.
  • Pulses may be taken either using a stethoscope or by hand.
  • Respiratory rates are to be taken using a stethoscope.
  • The volunteer may request that the elderly resident remove an outer garment (ex. Coat, scarf, or jacket), but at no point may he/she ask the patient to disrobe.
  • The volunteer is to record current medications and note any changes. All information is to be recorded on specified sheets and given to the nurse on duty.
Emotional Responsibilities
  • The volunteer is to visit the elderly resident weekly.
  • The volunteer is to maintain confidentiality with anything that was discussed.
  • The volunteer will notify the elderly resident, if he/she is unable to meet the resident that week.
  • Volunteers will not accept excessive gifts from the elderly residents.
  • Volunteers must obtain permission from the directors of the elderly home and from the residents before discussing spiritual matters.
  • Volunteers are encouraged to discuss complaints or unusual circumstances with a GAP officer.
GAP Leadership
  • The constitution may only be amended by agreement of all of the officers or three-fourths of total membership.
  • GAP shall have an executive director who served as director in the previous year. The role of executive director is to advise the year's current leadership.
  • GAP shall have a secretary who is responsible for all contacts with the volunteer population, and creation and distribution of all public affair material.
  • GAP shall have a Dwight Hall Coordinator who is responsibilities for all Dwight Hall Contacts. This includes open houses, proposals, budgets, phone-a-thons, and required meetings.
  • GAP shall have a Research Coordinator who creates informative pamphlets monthly. The topic of the pamphlets are to be decided by the officers. The Research Coordinator is to research, copy, and distribute the pamphlets.
  • GAP shall have a director who is responsible for delegating duties and promoting GAP. He is responsible for all responsibilities not aforementioned.
  • There may be more than one officer per position.

Comments? Questions? Email clara.soh@yale.edu