T
he Independence for Seniors program in Richmond improves the lives of seniors through personal relationships, stress reduction, mental activity, and good nutrition. “Seniors matter and they need to know that they still have value and purpose,” said Diane Hargraves, Aging and Disability Services case worker.
September: Healthy Aging Month
The Independence for Seniors program consists of Caregiver Relief and Call Reassurance, which are both staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Caregiver Relief volunteers are matched with caregivers who provide around-the-clock care to an adult loved one in their home and who cannot easily get out to get a break.
B
efore she became sick, Evelyn was a gifted painter. Her beautiful artwork covers the walls of her home. But dementia robbed her of her art. One day, Kay, the volunteer helping Evelyn and her husband, Tom, brought some adult coloring pages to her visit. She thought that Evelyn, who rarely talked, might enjoy them and that they might be a way for them to interact.
Call Reassurance volunteers make regular phone calls to lonely and isolated seniors, giving them a compassionate, encouraging friend. "The greatest gift we can give to [our seniors] is to listen," said Hargraves. "And our volunteers do this so well. They truly listen and empathize with them.” See the video on our website!
Tom was skeptical. And, at first, he was right. But Kay persisted and began to color, asking Evelyn to help pick out the colors. Eventually Evelyn started coloring the pages along with Kay. Later, Tom shared that Evelyn had colored with her grandchildren for the first time in a very long time. Kay's thoughtfulness had given the family back some priceless moments with Evelyn.
There is an ongoing need for volunteers for this and other CCC programs around the state. To learn more visit www.cccofva.org. Chronicle • Summer 2019 | 3
