Article by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator
(Posted 2022 May)
“I want to commend one of your volunteers. Last week, I needed urgent medical supplies at Kaiser pharmacy, Nancy immediately swung into action and delivered what my doctor prescribed. Without her help, I would have ended up in the hospital, which is what I am avoiding now. As a result, my health is improving, thanks to Nancy.”
This was the first part of the heartfelt praise and gratitude “Ms. S.” expressed in an email to Christie Elliott, a Regional Volunteer Coordinator for Volunteer Solutions. Volunteer Solutions is a program within the Department of Family Services helping older adults, adults with disabilities and family caregivers.
Older adults can live independently in their homes for longer when compassionate volunteers like Nancy get involved. May is Older Americans Month and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) has chosen the theme, “Age My Way.” This theme highlights how older adults generally strive to remain in their homes and communities for as long as they can safely do so.
Ms. S. continued sharing her appreciation in the email, “Nancy is always there consistently whenever I call to arrange medical transportation. She is a very skilled and careful driver, always greets me with a smile and a positive attitude. I am so very thankful to her as a volunteer through Fairfax County Adult and Aging Services and I consider her my friend. Your agency is fortunate to have Nancy as a volunteer and she is an asset to our community.” Ms. S. has a social worker who connected her to Volunteer Solutions for medical transportation and medication pick-up.
There are many opportunities for community members who want to help older adults age in place. It can be as simple as providing support to a neighbor by regularly taking out the trash. Community members can also peruse the websites of local organizations who are searching for volunteers to find other ways to help. Volunteers are needed to provide transportation, social visiting, grocery shopping, household tasks (including yard clean up), and more.
Volunteer Solutions offers opportunities to help in any of those roles. Learn more at bit.ly/FXVSVOL. NV Rides is a helpful resource as well, at nvrides.org. Fairfax County offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER. No act of kindness is too small.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).