SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS
Aster supports older adults in many different ways, one of which is through our Neighbors Program. This volunteer-based initiative pairs a homebound older adult with a friendly volunteer to drive them to essential appointments, provide friendly visits, and more. You can make a difference by volunteering on your own schedule this summer. We spoke to Anne Wurth, Program Coordinator, to learn more.
What does the Neighbors program do, and why is this so important for seniors?
Our program provides what we call "in-home services" to homebound seniors. Neighbors volunteers provide what you might picture an adult child doing, if they didn't have a job and lived close by. Volunteers drive participants to routine medical appointments and the grocery store, or they provide friendly visits or phone calls. Being unable to drive is very tough here, and our volunteers help our seniors continue to age in place by getting them to important places. And no matter how a volunteer helps, they provide some companionship. We all know loneliness is very unhealthy for seniors' well-being, and this program directly combats that.
How do volunteers help?
Our volunteers choose how they want to help. We are flexible, and place volunteers in the role they want. Some make friendly phone calls to homebound seniors; some visit homebound seniors once a week for an hour or two; others provide rides so they can get to routine medical appointments or the grocery store.
How do they get involved?
The first step is letting us know they are interested. They can give me a call, send me an email, or go online (asteraz.org) and fill out an interest form. Then we briefly chat on the phone, explain the program, answer any questions, and if they're interested, we set up a one-time orientation and background check meeting.
What is a Neighbors volunteer's schedule?
It's very flexible and all up to the volunteer. If they're providing friendly visits or calls, they set the exact schedule they want. They can choose the same day and time each week or set it as they go. For driving, volunteers receive a daily email with current ride requests, and they can pick and choose which rides they want to help with. It's all in the volunteer's hands in terms of how much they volunteer. It's also flexible in that many volunteers go away for the summer or on trips throughout the year. It's a good opportunity to volunteer while they're here in the Valley, and we are happy to have any and all help when we can get it.
What do participants say about the program?
They are immensely grateful. For many, it's a true lifeline, their opportunity to see the doctor or get groceries. When I enroll participants, they describe the difficulties they have had getting places. They say their extended family, if local, can't take off any more work to drive them. Others say they don't have any family, or all their friends have passed away. Many speak of the loneliness that comes with being homebound. When they join our program, they express relief, gratitude, and hope.
If someone is interested in getting involved as a volunteer, how do they get started?
Give me a call, send me an email, or go to asteraz.org, click Help Us and Donate Time, and fill out an interest form.
