Celebrate National Volunteer Month this April with Aging & Long Term Care
April 3, 2024
Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) is seeking volunteers this National Volunteer Month! “Volunteers play a vital role at Aging & Long Term Care, and we are always in need of caring, compassionate individuals to help us support the aging population within our five county service region,” said Kari Stevens, Community Living Connections Director.
Through volunteering at Aging & Long Term Care, individuals connect with the community, learn about local services, and provide necessary programs for older adults and adults living with disabilities in Eastern Washington. Volunteers are not required to have previous training, and anyone over 18 can volunteer. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are currently available. These include:
- Check and Connect: Check and Connect provides regularly scheduled phone calls to clients who want to reduce feelings of isolation at no cost, ensure their needs are being met, verify their well-being, and get connect to resources. Volunteers work remotely and determine their hours! “I became involved with the Check and Connect program during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a great way to reach out and help lift up the community during some especially trying times. It was easy to get connected and stay involved since everything is done over the phone.” – Andrew, previous volunteer
- Planning & Management Council (PMC): Help us achieve our mission by serving on our PMC! Members attend monthly meetings and discuss leading information about issues facing older adults and adults with disabilities. “I believe the mission of ALTCEW is extremely important. Volunteering for the PMC has been a joy for me. We are a large group representing the five counties that make up ALTCEW’s service area. I encourage others to apply to join this diverse and deeply caring group.” – Cy, PMC volunteer
- Spokane Regional Dementia Friendly Community (SRDFC): The SRDFC is a group of partners seeking to ensure that our region is equipped to support people living with dementia and their care partners. This group is an official member of the Dementia Friendly America network. “Volunteering with the SRDFC provides an opportunity to make a positive impact in our community and to help people living with memory loss while knowing that your efforts are directly contributing to improving the lives of others.”– Debby, SRDFC volunteer
- Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA): Make a difference in the lives of others by helping them navigate Medicare. This free service helps people understand their Medicare rights and options but does not sell or endorse insurance products. “I believe that helping others to understand Medicare insurance options is important for the health and well-being of those that are eligible or their caregivers… Two bonuses are that I learn something every day and I learn more about others’ situations, which broadens my empathy and understanding.” – Deb, SHIBA volunteer
To learn more about volunteering with any of Aging & Long Term Care’s programs, check out our website (www.altcew.org) or give us a call at 509-458-2509 and ask for the program you are interested in volunteering with. If looking for community support, contact Aging & Long Term Care’s helpline at 509-960-7281 or email action@altcew.org.
