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June 13, 2003/Sivan 13 5763, Vol. 55, No. 42
Helping hands for seniorsVolunteers reach out to older adults
JESSICA BARBER
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 VICaP volunteer Philip Feld, right, helps his "neighbor" Larry Connolly by running errands and grocery shopping. Photo by Pat Poulson |
The Valley's Jewish community is growing older. About 20 percent of Phoenix-area Jews are over the age of 65, an 8-percent increase from 1984, according to the 2002 Greater Phoenix Jewish Community Study. Also, 12,800 members of the local Jewish community are over age 75.
Caring for the growing senior population cannot always be left to children and grandchildren, as they have often become parents themselves, as well as full-time employees. Therefore, the elderly and homebound must sometimes look elsewhere for the help they require to remain safe and independent for as long as possible.
Center D.O.A.R. (Developing Older Adult Resources) offers a helping hand to seniors of all backgrounds through VICaP (Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers Program). The organization pairs about 1,300 local volunteers with approximately the same number of homebound seniors or disabled people living in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Litchfield Park, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Carefree and Cave Creek.
"The concept is getting people to connect with others who have needs or who want to share their time and talents in a true interfaith program," says Elizabeth Brunstein, executive director of the center. "The volunteers provide simple services that can make a huge difference to seniors."
Volunteers may help homebound people with grocery shopping, paperwork, transportation to medical appointments, minor home repairs, or with respite for permanent caregivers. However, many volunteers find themselves extending their relationship to that of a friend.
Philip Feld of Phoenix, a VICaP volunteer for the past 16 years, has a very close relationship with his "neighbor" Larry Connolly.
"I would consider him one of my best friends and I would hope he feels the same way about me," says Feld. "(The program) gives me a perspective on my own life. I realize that people who are handicapped manage to get by and do well for themselves."
Connolly characterizes his relationship with Feld as a "godsend."
"He goes to the store for me about once a week and I really depend on him," says Connolly. "He's been so darn good about doing it and so good-natured about it. He is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet."
VICaP was formed at Center D.O.A.R. in 1984, three years after the center was founded by the Church of the Beatitudes, says Brunstein.
"There were nursing homes helping people in institutional settings, but the vast majority of people were out in the community and wished to remain so as long as possible," says Brunstein. "The center brought people in from a variety of congregations and they started brainstorming."
The center now has partnerships with more than 100 faith communities in the Valley, including Beth El Congregation, Temple Chai, Temple Solel and Temple Beth Israel.
However, Brunstein explains, being a member of a religious institution is not necessary to become a volunteer or a "neighbor" in the program.
"There is nothing about proselytizing," says Brunstein. "It's about people who want to make a difference by putting their faith into action and being with people who need a little bit of help, regardless of affiliation or no affiliation at all."
Teri Hedstrom, a flight attendant and Glendale resident, discovered VICaP through a church she formerly attended, the Community Church of Joy. Hedstrom and her "neighbor," Sylvia Levine, shop, talk and share family memories.
"Sylvia has taught me a lot about the Jewish faith," says Hedstrom. "We also talk about day-to-day stuff and we've become real close."
Levine, who will turn 88 this year, couldn't agree more.
"I feel like I adopted her as my daughter," she says. "There are no words in the dictionary to describe the way I feel about her."
In fact, Levine is so appreciative of the program, she has herself become a volunteer. She serves as a "friendly phoner" to other women who are homebound.
"I have telephone friends," she says.
Becoming involved in the program, whether as a volunteer or a "neighbor" in need, is a simple process, explains Brunstein. Volunteers must attend a two-hour orientation to the program and submit two personal references. In addition, they must submit proof of automobile insurance if they are planning to drive with a "neighbor." They will also be subject to a criminal background check conducted through Arizona Superior Court records.
Homebound or elderly adults or disabled people over the age of 18 need only to call the center and request help, and complete a personal interview with a Center D.O.A.R. representative.
Volunteers and "neighbors" are matched mainly according to proximity of residence, although personality and personal preferences are often taken into account.
Susan Guzman, paired with Virginia Moore for the last three years, pursued involvement in VICaP after witnessing firsthand the difficulties some seniors may have when faced with driving difficulties.
"I was at temple talking to an elderly lady who mentioned that she never gets dressed on the weekends ... because she couldn't drive," remembers Guzman. "I couldn't believe someone would just live in their home and not have the freedom to go where they needed to go."
Guzman took it upon herself to befriend the woman and now frequently offers rides to the synagogue or other places.
A few months later, on a trip to Walgreens in the summer heat, Guzman observed an elderly couple in the parking lot.
"The lady fell down on the cement," Guzman remembers, "and she was bleeding on her face. I went over to see if I could help ... and she asked for a ride home. Turns out, they took two buses and walked two blocks in the heat to Walgreens to get his prescriptions. It made such an impression on me about homebound people. They just need a little assistance to remain in their home. Then I heard about VICaP, and I knew it was for me."
Guzman heard about a volunteer orientation in Temple Solel's newsletter, as is common with VICaP. Orientations are held periodically throughout the Valley, often at churches, synagogues or other faith communities, although Brunstein and her volunteers stress that religious affiliation is not important in working with the program.
"It turns out that about half of the volunteers come on their own, not through a congregation," says Guzman. "It's got nothing to do with religion in any way."
Upcoming orientations are scheduled throughout June, July and August.
"We have volunteers and staff ready to give presentations at any congregation," says Brunstein. "We'll come and talk to a rabbi or whoever is in charge ... to get the program going."
In fact, in addition to her volunteerism with the program, Guzman also gives presentations about VICaP to potential volunteers or "neighbors" throughout the Valley.
"When we speak, we have two different points of view," explains Guzman. "They are: 'What can we do for you, Mr. Senior?' Or 'How can you become a volunteer to help others?' "
Although VICaP serves many homebound adults, they continue to need more volunteers. They currently have a waiting list of about 270 homebound elders waiting for assistance. With the onset of summer, says Brunstein, the list is likely to get longer.
"We would love to have summer substitutes because our volunteers go on vacation or leave the Valley for the summer," says Brunstein. "Teachers, college students ... anyone who wants to serve for the summer would be a great help."
Funding for the program is also a challenge, explains Brunstein. In addition to two large fund-raising events per year, the organization continually seeks contributions from the government, corporations, individuals and congregations participating in the program. However, congregations paired with Center D.O.A.R. are not under any obligation to contribute financially.
"It is a constant applying process for money," says Brunstein. "We just received a Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust grant and that really helps. Shamrock Foods has been one of our most loyal supporters since the beginning."
VICaP affords the center's primary opportunity for volunteerism, however the organization offers three other programs to assist community members in a variety of situations.
The Generations Caregiver Support Program offers help to caregivers of the elderly. The program offers assistance with home-health agencies, housing options or being overwhelmed by care-giving duties. Eleven support groups meet throughout the Valley on a monthly basis, as well as Caregiver 101 seminars to provide information.
Project Grandcare offers support to grandparents raising grandchildren. The program also offers support groups, information sessions and help with legal issues, custody information and insurance.
The Nurse and Health Ministry Network helps faith communities begin health ministry programs. The programs may include health promotion activities such as lectures, blood pressure screenings or health education classes.
Center D.O.A.R. encourages any person interested in volunteering or becoming a "neighbor" to call the center. Volunteering can take as little as an hour or two a month, and may develop into a lifelong friendship, says Brunstein.
"I think it's a great thing to volunteer," says Hedstrom. "I think it's that fear of people not wanting to jump into it, but its just a matter of taking that step. Once people get into it, they will understand just how wonderful it is."
Contact the writer at jessica_barber@jewishaz.com
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Details
- Who: Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers Program at Center D.O.A.R.
- What: Volunteer orientation session
- When: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 17
- Where: Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda Lane, Scottsdale
- What: Volunteer orientation session
- When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 19
- Where: Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
- What: Volunteer orientation session
- When: 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14
- Where: Church of the Beatitudes
- Call: 602-285-0543