Over the years, caregivers have called Senior Solutions’ helpline asking for respite care: someone to sit with their loved one while they run errands and attend to other needs.
It was a request the Springfield, Vt.-based nonprofit, also known as the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, couldn’t fill with its current volunteer base.
But now, in an effort to help caregivers throughout Windsor and Windham counties, Senior Solutions has started a respite care volunteer program.
“They’re looking for volunteers who can provide a block of time to sit with an individual who needs supervision because of debilitating disabilities and aging in place that would allow the caregiver some freedom to relax and just have some time for themselves,” said Vicki Mastroianni, program coordinator at Senior Solutions. “Our volunteer base, while they’re wonderful, committed volunteers and their contributions are absolutely amazing and generous, they don’t have the skills to be able to provide that level of care that respite is requiring.”
Originally, staff at Senior Solutions applied for a grant through AmeriCorps, which would allow them to pay a stipend to 40 volunteers who would provide respite care.
Around 13,000 Vermonters currently have a memory loss disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease, and about 30,000 family members help care for them, according to data put together by the staff for the grant application. That number is expected to increase by the thousands as the state’s population continues to age.
Senior Solutions didn’t get the grant, but staff weren’t deterred and the goal is to start training volunteers this fall.
“It just confirmed the need for respite care. There’s a shortage for home care providers right now,” Mastroianni said. “We decided: Let’s put a plan B together.”
That plan includes working with area institutions and colleges to recruit students involved in the medical field who are looking for practical experience.
“We’re very happy to work with the institutions and the colleges to come up with a curriculum that’s credible for them to get credits,” Mastroianni said.
With the grant, staff were hoping to recruit 40 people to provide respite care throughout the two counties, but they recognize that it would be difficult to find that many now.
“I think that’s unrealistic without having a stipend, but even if we can get to half of that in a year’s time, that would be great,” Mastroianni said. “We’re also working on trying to come up with different incentives that would encourage folks to give that level of commitment.”
Volunteers must be 18 or older and pass a background check. Training in medical care is not required, as Senior Solutions will provide training.
Ideally, volunteers will be able to commit three to four hours per week and would work with the same family.
After training ends, Senior Solutions staff will continue to support volunteers with any questions or concerns they have.
“They just need to have a good heart and a willingness to put in a few hours a week,” Mastroianni said. “We would encourage the younger generation to get involved for sure.”
Those interested in volunteering or learning more should email Mastroianni at VMastroianni@seniorsolutionsvt.org or call the Senior Solutions helpline at 802-885-2669 and ask for Mastroianni.
While the home health care aide shortage existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic, it has gotten worse. The need for respite care volunteers might be even more important now than ever before.
“Aging in place is becoming an actual way of life now,” Mastroianni said. “It’s not uncommon to find someone in their 90s home alone who might need some help with their daily living needs. This isn’t going to go away.”
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
