Volunteers needed to help Wake seniors keep independence
As people age, they want to remain independent as long as possible. Having access to basic needs, such as a ride to the doctor, can make a huge difference in how long people can live by themselves. A Wake County group is looking for volunteers to donate a few hours a month to help keep seniors living on their own.
Posted — Updated“I have been in a retirement home once in my life, and I never want to go to another one,” said Isaac Smith, of Apex.
“I can still walk some. I can still do a few things for myself, and I’m not eligible for the rest home now, seeing as I’ve got help,” Smith said.
Transportation coordinator Julie Keely says something as simple as getting a ride across town to visit the doctor or go grocery shopping can have a big long-term effect on clients' lives.
“The services that we provide allow people to remain in their homes,” she said. “People are staying out of the hospitals because they're able to get to the doctor, and they're able to get their basic needs met.”
Volunteer Glenn Rains says it takes only a few hours a month.
“You look and you see who's on it, where they're going, what they need, and you look at your calendar and see what can I fit in here,” he said.
The center provides more than transportation. They also need people who can help with yard work and light housekeeping and volunteers who can relieve caregivers. The center plans a big volunteer orientation on Monday, Jan. 20.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
