Caregiver volunteers are a diverse group. They come from a variety of age groups, backgrounds and work settings. They are united, however, in their motivation to build a caring community.
Caregivers has been drawing a consistent pool of volunteers on a year to year basis. The churches remain our largest source of recruitment. Interestingly, the areas of media and family/friend are becoming significant sources for acquiring volunteers. Volunteers are asked to meet with staff for an interview. References are requested. Agency and confidentiality guidelines are reviewed and a volunteer manual is provided to all volunteers. Training is offered and recognition of volunteers occurs throughout the year.
Volunteer Caregiving Program
- Visitation – Friendly Visiting, Letter Writing, Companionship
- Transportation – Medical Appointments
- Errands – General and Grocery Shopping
- Chores – Light Housekeeping, Laundry, Minor Repairs
- Limited Respite Care – Provide A Break For Family And Friends Who Are Providing Continual Care
- Telephone Reassurance - Provide a regular check-in for an isolated individual
- Yard Work - Provide planned and unplanned clean-up, beautification, and snow removal
Scenario in Which Volunteer Caregivers Have Been Involved
Mr. W. is a 98 year old gentleman who lives alone in his home. His closest relative lives in Mass. and is unable to visit more than 1x monthly. He contacted Caregivers to obtain help with grocery shopping. A volunteer takes him shopping or does his groceries (depending on his physical capability from week to week) every Friday. In addition the volunteer spends time visiting, alleviating some of his social isolation.
A mother contacted Caregivers to request rides to the Elliot Hospital every weekday morning for three weeks. It was medically necessary that her newborn remain in the neonatal unit. Drivers committed to transporting the same day for the 3 week period to provide continuity for the mother.
A husband and wife, who are in their late 80’s, reside in senior housing in Derry. The wife suffered a stroke approximately 4 years ago and has been the primary focus of her husband’s attention. An out of state family member contacted Caregivers to determine if a volunteer could assist with light chores. For the past two years a volunteer has aided them with dusting and vacuuming needs. On an occasional basis the husband has called for someone to stay with his wife while he goes to a doctor’s appointment.
We helped a thirty-five year old woman with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Her challenge was that once her 5 year old son got off the bus, she did not have the stamina to play with him, unpack his bag, start dinner and laundry and make lunches. A group of 5 ladies stayed there each day until the husband got home so that she could spend quality time with her loved ones and not have to worry and struggle over the minutiae of everyday life.
We were able to help a then 21-year-old woman who was without a vehicle who needed to access an eating disorder specialist each week. Her matched volunteer became a big and wonderful part of her life. She is now a thriving mother of a 7-year-old boy and we are still able to help with holiday giving and handyman services.
Last year, we helped another mother in a difficult situation. Her husband was dying of skin cancer and due to the radiation of his head, he was very sensitive to sound and light. Her preschool age kids were not in school over February vacation, and she had no idea how she would keep them quiet and entertained while she also cared for her husband. We found a group of women that took shifts to play with the children for that vacation week before they returned to school.