Many older adults in our community are isolated and alone. A new Peer Support Program is now in place to match volunteers with older adults in our community who would like to have someone visit them on a weekly basis, helping them to meet personal health and well-being goals. This is a wonderful program, created locally through RSVP, which provides support to seniors as they work to achieve their health objectives.
The activities shared during weekly visits could be as simple as helping to create a grocery list to meet nutritional goals, or plan a schedule for getting more exercise. Some older adults appreciate learning how to communicate more effectively with their doctors.
The important thing is that they are not alone in their effort—because they have the support of a peer volunteer. To have a caring individual visit just once a week can have an enormous impact in the life of an older adult.
Volunteers, age 55+ are currently being accepted for this peer program. No experience is needed — just a caring heart and a desire to help. Volunteers receive full training, and work with program staff to support the person with whom they are carefully matched.
The Peer Support Program is one of many RSVP opportunities for volunteers age 55 and over. Additional opportunities include providing transportation for seniors in the area, mentoring children in schools, positions at the Hollywood Senior Center and area hospitals, and more.
RSVP is a national program housed locally at Metropolitan Family Service.
For more information, contact: Deborah at 503.232.0007 ext. 222 or email deborahs@metfamily.org.