Variety of volunteer spots available
It can be hard to take the leap to volunteer when it may require a consistent number of hours each week and/ or a good amount of training. Many don’t like the idea of being tied down to a regular commitment, while others who miss having a schedule and a place to be on a regular basis might enjoy it.
The Area 1 Agency on Aging offers different time and training commitment levels. The commonality is the desire to help others.
· The A1AA Advisory Council works with staff to represent the issues and needs facing older adults and advocate on their behalf. It helps develop and distribute the older adult needs and concerns survey and host annual public hearings to receive input on the Area Plan. This is a great job for advocates who care about older adults, like to work for systemic change and service improvements, are good on committees and can work collaboratively. The council meets quarterly.
· HICAP helps with Medicare and attracts volunteers who are excited by the challenge of learning a new and complicated subject and then sharing the information with others. HICAP attracts retired educators and people who are good at calming folks down. One of our counselors is an EMT. Her calming effect and ability to triage and lay out the next steps are put to good use. Being able to focus and provide clarity are key skills. Training is intensive and volunteers receive excellent staff support. The time commitment is a few hours a week and all the hours you can handle during fall open enrollment.
· The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates on behalf of residents in nursing and assisted living facilities. Volunteers receive over 35 hours of initial training and excellent ongoing training and support. This work attracts paralegals, medically trained folks, as well as bookkeepers and other financial types. Ombudsmen pay attention to detail and document their activities. They set their own schedules and pick the day(s) to visit assigned facilities, usually between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven days a week. Plan on 12 to 15 hours a month advocating for the frailest of older adults.
· Northcoast Homeshare matches older homeowners with folks seeking housing. This is ideal for anyone who is good at matchmaking and able to put people at ease while also respectfully digging deeper to help folks articulate their needs. The volunteer must not be afraid to address conflict and encourage clear and respectful communication. This volunteer opportunity of a few hours a week awaits the right person.
SAIL (Staying Active and Independent for Life) volunteers like to keep things moving. They believe in the importance of exercise and promoting independence and good health. Ideal for this volunteer opportunity are people who like to exercise and are good at teaching others. Sail volunteers must have good organizational skills and safety awareness. CPR is recommended. Having an entertaining stage presence doesn’t hurt. Most volunteers teach two to three classes a week, each taking about 1½ hours from set up to clean up.
· Volunteer Driver Program takes seniors to medical appointments. Many of the volunteers are retired veterans who understand the critical role transportation plays in meeting one’s medical needs. They know how easy it would be to need a ride themselves and are paying it forward. Drivers are retired teachers, Caltrans employees and tax preparers, among others. Drivers like to meet people and make them feel at ease and respond with compassion and are able to adjust to emergency situations. Drivers enjoy driving and can hold their end of any conversation. This is a flexible position; volunteers sign up directly for the rides they have time to give.
So, that is what we do and why we need you. Please stop by on Thursday
from 4 to 5:30 p.m. to find your next big thing. A1AA is located at 434 Seventh St., Eureka.
Maggie Kraft is the executive director of the Area 1 Agency on Aging.