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August
7, 2006
VOL.
44, NO. 14Oakland,
CA
Volunteers offer Caring Hands to seniors in need
Four years
ago, Joan Schommer was confronted with the dilemma that faces many newly
retired men and women --What should I do with all this extra time? Luckily
for her, the Contra Costa Times had the right answer.
After reading an article in the paper about Caring Hands, a volunteer
caregivers program in Walnut Creek, Schommer knew she had found the perfect
way to spend her retirement – giving her free time to those who
might need her help. “I was really impressed,” she said, “and
I haven’t been sorry since.”
Around the same time Schommer began volunteering at Caring Hands, Susan
Greenwald found that their services provided her a welcome break from
tending to her aging mother in the last years of her mother’s life.
Now, Greenwald maintains close ties with the Caring Hands organization,
only this time as the match for Schommer’s volunteer efforts, an
event she counts as one of the highlights of her life.
Caring Hands, which combines the efforts of John Muir Health, groups from
various faiths, and the surrounding community, started in February 1999
and serves residents of central, south, and east Contra Costa County.
Funding comes from the health system, grants and several local religious
congregations in Contra Costa County, seven of which are Catholic.
The organization assists its members with daily tasks that have become
more difficult to handle alone. Recipients must be at least 60 years old
and well enough to live on their own, but “they may have mobility
or vision impairments and all of a sudden become isolated in their home,”
said Carol Louisell, Caring Hands program manager. To help solve this
problem, Caring Hands provides the care receivers with free, in-home assistance
with household activities.
While still in good health, Greenwald suffers from macular degeneration
which forced her to stop driving two years ago. Schommer’s weekly
visits provide Greenwald with a reliable way to get out of the house and
run such errands as grocery shopping or visiting the doctor. “She
is another set of eyes,” Greenwald said.
Many of Caring Hands more than 200 senior-volunteer matches participate
in a similar type of arrangement.
Before they meet, all volunteers must attend a full-day training session
that covers such topics as handling a wheelchair and working with the
visually impaired. The training also addresses privacy issues that may
come up in the weekly visits. “They give you all the dos and don’ts,”
Schommer said. “You know where the parameters are.”
Louisell stressed that Caring Hands is “more of a supplement to
other services. We don’t cover personal care.” Volunteers
are required to fulfill a commitment of one to three hours a week for
a minimum of six months.
Upcoming trainings will take place on Sept. 16 in Brentwood and Nov. 17
in Walnut Creek. More information can be obtained by calling (925) 952-2999.
The volunteers are an essential part of fulfilling the Caring Hands mission.
“People are living longer, and they want to live at home and age
in place,” said Louisell.
It is this reality that keeps Schommer, a parishioner of St. John Vianney
in Walnut Creek, connected with the organization. “I know I am 10
to 15 years away from needing the help I’m providing,” she
said. “It’s a way for them to stay connected and regain their
independence.”
This, in the simplest terms, embodies the goal of Caring Hands, yet volunteers
and care receivers alike stress the bond that they form is more rewarding
than being able to get out of the house every once in a while.
As a volunteer, Joan Schommer insists that she is getting more out of
the arrangement than she is putting in. “I’ve really learned
to be thankful for what I have and appreciate every day,” she said.
(The seven parishes that support Caring Hands with financial and volunteer
resources are Christ the King, Pleasant Hill; Holy Rosary, Antioch; St.
Agnes, St. Bonaventure, and St. Francis of Assisi, Concord; St. Anne,
Byron; and St. John Vianney, Walnut Creek.)
Joan Schommer (left) helps Susan Greenwald pick out items at a local drugstore as part of the Caring Hands program.
ROY MANZANARES PHOTO
