This month, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program welcomes its newest Vista volunteer (Volunteers in Service to America), Carolyn Davis.
Davis' goal for the next year is to maintain the current program of matching Carson City volunteers with local seniors, while expanding the Home Companion Volunteer Program for the growing number of seniors in need of services that allow them remain independent and at home longer.
The volunteers in the RSVP Home Companion Program provide vital services that help homebound seniors to remain in their homes as long as possible. As we age, it sometimes becomes increasingly difficult to get to places that many of us go to without a second thought.
Imagine not having the independence to run out to your car and pop into the local grocery, to get money from your bank account, to pickup some badly needed medication, or get to a doctor appointment.
Providing transportation to homebound seniors could be one of the most rewarding jobs you have ever experienced - seniors are so grateful. If driving isn't your thing they provide many services to seniors that are just as important to them as running errands.
RSVP volunteers also install Lifeline Systems (personal emergency response systems) so that in case of any emergency, help is only a push of a button away. Installing these lifesaving emergency phone systems for seniors could make the difference in whether they can live in their homes or be forced to make other arrangements.
Many seniors also experience vision and hearing problems. RSVP volunteers help many of them by reading their mail to them, helping them make out checks to pay bills, helping to fill out forms or just reading the paper or a book to them.
Sometimes just having someone to talk to can cure a lot of ills. In the life of a homebound senior, a friendly visit or a phone call can make all the difference in the world. This difference in the life of a local senior is many times made possible by RSVP's dedicated volunteers.
If you have a couple of spare hours, please volunteer to make the difference in the life of a senior. Volunteers of all ages may contact Carolyn at 687-4680, ext. 0, or Judy Harris at 246-4902 in Lyon County.