While talking recently with a former apartment roommate who is the same age as I am, she mentioned our last conversation when I said I was babysitting. “I hope you aren’t taking care of kids today,” she said. Calling from her Florida home, she said she just didn’t have energy enough to “chase” kids. I’ve found that there are plenty of ways to interact with kids that don’t involve “chasing” – and they do keep one from being bored.
That conversation got me thinking about why more older people don’t volunteer to be a foster grandparent. Perhaps it would be better for “younger” seniors – but even at my age, there are plenty of things we can share with children. I remember as a working single parent, how precious a few hours alone could be – even to just go to the grocery store. Fortunately, my young son and I had relatives close by and it was a great help.
Opportunity Alliance (formerly known as PROP) has a couple Senior Volunteer Programs that are offered to people age 55 and over. You may want to check these out, if you find that retirement has gotten stale. Nothing like some kids to liven things up. Here is some information on some Opportunity Alliance programs, from the website.
Foster Grandparent: Volunteer placements for Foster Grandparents to mentor and tutor children under the supervision of teachers and staff are available in schools, child development centers, Head Start programs and in homes with families with special needs throughout York, Cumberland and southern Oxford counties.
Volunteers meeting federal income guidelines receive a non-taxable stipend in return for volunteering 15-40 hours per week during the academic year and year-round programming. Interested applicants over the income guidelines are encouraged to apply if able to volunteer at least 10 hours per week during the academic year.
All volunteers receive meal and travel assistance, pre-service and ongoing training, supervision and recognition. To receive a Foster Grandparent application packet call the program at 773-0202 or toll free, 800-698-4959 or email susan.lavigne@opportunityalliance.org Visit the national Foster Grandparent Program website at www.seniorcorps.gov.
Senior Companions: If you prefer the company of older people, you may be interested in the Senior Companion Program, especially if you would like to make independence a reality for frail elders and their families through the provision of companionship to increase socialization, transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other essential errands, and respite for family caregivers.
In return for a volunteer commitment of 15-40 hours a week, Senior Companions meeting federal income guidelines receive a non-taxable stipend. Interested applicants over the income guidelines are encouraged to apply if able to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per week. All volunteers receive meal and travel assistance, pre-service and ongoing training, supervision and recognition.
To receive a Senior Companion application packet call the program at 773-0202 or toll free 800-698-4959 or email susan.lavigne@opportunityalliance.org. Visit the national Senior Companion Program website at www.seniorcorps.gov.
Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.
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