AmeriCorps Awards $114,000 to Senior Solutions to Support New Volunteers in Respite Care and Dementia Support programs
Senior Solutions has received a Public Health AmeriCorps grant to provide non-medical, in-home services to older adults and adults with disabilities in southeastern Vermont. The grant, renewable yearly for up to three years, is one of more than 80 grants to state and local organizations for the federal Public Health AmeriCorps program. The first-year grants, totaling more than $60 million will allow Public Health AmeriCorps programs to recruit nearly 3,000 members nationwide.
“This grant gives Senior Solutions additional resources to be able to work with more aging Vermonters in the 46 communities served by our agency,” said Mark Boutwell, executive director of Senior Solutions. “We need more volunteers with specialized training to provide a range of services including respite and support for families whose loved ones suffer from a range of debilitating diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s and mild cognitive impairments.”
Over the next three years, Senior Solutions plans to recruit and train 20 volunteers who will be able to provide for the unmet needs of approximately 50 families caring for loved ones with serious health conditions. Our volunteer activities include companionship, meal preparation, assistance with eating, light housekeeping and laundry, errands, grocery shopping and caregiver respite services.
The grant will also help support three Memory Café programs we are opening in the towns of Brattleboro, Springfield, and White River Junction. Memory Cafés provide a safe place for dementia patients and others with disabilities to have social contact in a supportive environment. Trained AmeriCorps volunteers will oversee the café activities and discussions. The program allows caregivers to enjoy an outing with their loved one, knowing that they will be supported by AmeriCorps volunteers.
AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention joined forces to launch Public Health AmeriCorps and support the recruitment, training, and development of the next generation of public health leaders who will be ready to respond to the nation’s public health needs. To find out whether you or a loved one qualifies for Senior Solutions services, including assistance through the Public Health AmeriCorps program, call the agency HelpLine at 802-885-2669 or toll-free at 866-673-8376.
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