Senior Solutions announces a new intergenerational project that will launch July 1, 2023. This program will pair adolescents and low-income senior citizens served by Senior Solutions. To assist in the organization of this program, Senior Solutions will be recruiting for help from an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America, an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty). The program will look at one of three things:
1) Companionship or social isolation: A companionship role through art, chair yoga or other socially engaging activities. According to VTDigger, data indicates that Vermonters of all backgrounds report feelings of social isolation, with seniors being at highest risk. Thirteen percent of residents 65 years and older say they rarely or never get social and emotional support (Vermont Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey).
2) Homemaker services: Teens helping with homemaker chores, yard work or maintenance around the house, providing practical assistance, allowing older adults to remain in a safe, healthy, and clean environment. Additionally, homemakers help with loneliness for seniors. This has especially become apparent, as there has been universal shortages of home care workers.
3) Caregiver support services: Teens assisting at Memory Cafes, (Memory Cafés are social gathering that allow people experiencing cognitive impairments and a loved one to connect, socialize, and build new supports, Alzheimer’s Association, 2023). According to the National Institutes of Health, studies show benefits of Caregiver support Programs. One study showed caregiver support is important for delaying nursing home placement (by a year and a half). In addition, support improves the quality of life for caregivers by decreasing burdens and depression.
For more information about this program, please contact:
Victoria Alleman, Volunteer Manager
