Transportation to doctors' appointments, grocery shopping, light housework and home maintenance, along with friendly visits are among the services provided. Currently three hundred elderly clients are regularly served by three hundred trained Caregiver Volunteers. Through a collaborative effort, the Caregiver Program and the Lourdes Hospital Parish Nurse Program secured local foundation funding to jointly hire a part-time nurse to provide clinical and educational support, while serving as a liaison between the two programs. In addition to the Caregiver Program, the Council coordinates Weekly Ecumenical Services in nine of the area's long-term care facilities. Care receivers will be visited by an assessor who will explain the program and determine appropriateness of the care for our volunteers.
Care is offered regardless of income, religion, age or race.
A release form of consent for referrals is requested before care is given. Volunteers offer transportation, friendly visits, shopping, small chores. Volunteers will be given orientation and appropriate training . Initial orientation is 1 and hours. Volunteer time varies from 1-3 hours a week, one time requests, several times a month.