Older adults are invaluable members of the community, and in Northern Virginia, families can enjoy a variety of community services that support seniors. From getting them around town to paying a visit right at home, volunteers can help enrich a loved one’s life and bring brightness, joy, and even purpose to their daily routine.
However, those who might benefit most from these services may not even know they exist at all! If you or someone you know could use some support, whether with activities of daily living or to broaden their horizons post-retirement, consider the many opportunities provided by the cherished volunteers in our NOVA community.
Key Takeaways
Northern Virginia is home to a wide range of volunteer-driven initiatives provided by SCNOVA and others that can make a difference in the lives of older adults.
Transportation services provide free transit to medical appointments, errands, and more. Volunteers can visit in person or by phone to ease loneliness and bring a bright spot to a person’s day.
Beloved community members do not need to stress about minor home repairs, as volunteers can handle them.
Volunteer-Driven Assistance Older Adults Can Use
In Northern Virginia, community initiatives supported by local volunteers account for a large share of the assistive services available to older adults. Some of the ones that are used most frequently include the following:
Transportation services
As people age, it is common for their transportation needs to change. Perhaps a beloved family member has additional mobility needs that prevent them from comfortably using a standard car, or maybe you are not within easy access of public transit services.
Regardless of the reason, transportation assistance from volunteer organizations can help. SCNOVA, for example, offers a personal transportation service that allows users to schedule rides with friendly volunteers. These are available in the communities we serve and at any time that the volunteer is available. The transportation option branches into two potential modes of use: medical and companion travel.
Medical transportation focuses on getting our aging community members to their doctor’s appointments (including therapy). Companion transit includes a volunteer who will take you to the bank, grocery store, or other locations, providing both a ride and a friendly conversation.
Friendly visitor and caller program
As people get older, it is common for their friend groups to change. Companions may move away to support their families as grandchildren are born, interests change, or for other reasons. With these changes, staying close to your friend group can be complicated by transportation scheduling. Non-profits such as SCNOVA offer a friendly visitor or caller program for our older neighbors who are craving a cheerful conversation.
The friendly visitor program welcomes a volunteer into your home to simply spend some time together. Build a puzzle, have a meal, tell stories, or enjoy whatever activities excite you while sharing your home with a companion. For those who prefer a call to an in-person visit, the friendly caller program performs the same function.
Minor home repair services
Do you wish you could get some of your nagging home repairs off your plate? Volunteers in Northern Virginia can help! The friendly people from SCNOVA can visit to handle basic home repairs, such as touch-up paint jobs or light carpentry. This way, our older community members can spend more time enjoying their favorite activities and less time on maintenance tasks.
Food delivery
Even for older adults who enjoy cooking, making a meal is not always feasible. When a loved one needs assistance with getting food on the table, non-profits such as Meals on Wheels are ready to serve. Friendly volunteers deliver food right to a community member’s doorstep, making sure they get the nutrition they need and a cheerful smile, too.
Community gardens
Not every type of volunteer-driven initiative has to come to your home! Our aging community members are welcome to get out of the house and enjoy the many volunteer-based resources available in the community.
These may include community gardens, where people of all ages contribute and collaborate to build garden beds, plant vegetables and herbs, and harvest what they need. For seniors with a green thumb or those looking for a nutritious, community-based resource, gardens can be a great place to start!
Live a Full, Thriving Life Supported by the Community
SCNOVA provides many of the services that our aging neighbors need. Contact us to learn how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities such as Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you!