Mālama the Mind Hawai‘i

How it works For organizations Volunteer

Step 1 of 3

Volunteer training

Watch the full training before taking the quiz.

Step 2 of 3

Readiness quiz

Twelve questions. Pass with 10 correct.

1. A kūpuna tells you about her job at the cannery for the third time in ten minutes. What do you do?

Gently remind her she already told you.Listen as if it were the first time and ask a new question about it.Change the subject to today's worksheet.Tell staff her memory is getting worse.

2. Which is the best way to open a talk story?

"Tell me about the house you grew up in.""Do you remember what you had for breakfast?""What year were you born?""Do you know who I am?"

3. A kūpuna says her husband is coming to pick her up. Staff told you he died years ago. What do you say?

"I'm sorry, but your husband passed away.""He's running late, he'll be here soon.""You're thinking about him. Tell me about him."Nothing. Walk away and find another kūpuna.

4. During the numbers exercise a kūpuna gets several answers wrong and starts to look frustrated.

Show him the right answers so he can learn.Encourage him to keep trying until he gets it.End his session early.Switch to an easier version or another activity without mentioning mistakes.

5. A kūpuna asks for a sip of your water.

Share it. It's only water.Ask staff first. Never give food or drink yourself.Pour some into a clean cup for her.Say no and move on.

6. A kūpuna starts to stand up from his wheelchair and looks unsteady.

Stay beside him and call staff right away.Hold him under the arms and help him up.Tell him firmly to sit down.Go and look for a nurse.

7. You and a kūpuna took a lovely photo together. Can you post it?

Yes, if she said it was fine.Yes, if you leave out her name.No. No photos or posts of kūpuna without written consent arranged through the facility.Yes, on a private account.

8. What is the best way to approach a kūpuna who is hard of hearing?

Come up from behind and tap her shoulder.Speak very loudly from across the table.Talk to the staff member next to her instead.Come from the front, get to eye level, say your name, and speak slowly and clearly.

9. You ask a question and the kūpuna is silent.

Repeat the question louder straight away.Wait about ten seconds, then rephrase more simply or offer two choices.Answer it for him.Move on to the next person.

10. A kūpuna quietly tells you someone has been taking her money.

Promise to keep it between the two of you.Ask around to find out who did it.Listen calmly, then tell the staff supervisor and your program lead the same day.Assume it is confusion and let it go.

11. You wake up on session day with a cough and a sore throat.

Stay home and tell your lead and the site as early as you can.Go, but wear a mask.Go, but keep your distance.Go for the group part only.

12. Which best describes a volunteer's role?

Assess each kūpuna's memory and report changes to families.Help staff with meals and getting around.Give advice on staying mentally sharp.Be good company and lead conversation and activities, under staff direction.

Mālama Guide

Questions before you volunteer?

Ask about the program, training, or what to expect. Answers use approved Mālama the Mind information.

E komo mai

Try asking: What does a volunteer do during a session?

For urgent safety concerns, speak with site staff rather than using this guide.

Mālama the Mind Hawaiʻi
In collaboration with Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative

Contact us · malamathemind@gmail.com