1. Is there an organization that specifically addresses the needs of aging Baby Boomers?
A. Yes! The Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program was established to address how the aging will be cared for when chronic disease and frail elder age intersect with a lack of support systems.
2. What is The Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program?
A. Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program is a community-collaborative effort based on a national model, emerged to match volunteer caregivers to seniors in need.
3. What is the goal of The Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program?
A. The goal of Caring Hands is to enable seniors and other disabled individuals to maintain independence in their own homes as long as is safely possible, while seeking outpatient assistance for medical needs.
4. What is the cost for the services provided by Caring Hands?
A. The program is offered free to those who need its services.
5. Are qualifications for the Caring Hands program based on income level?
A. No! The service is offered free, regardless of income.
6. Who are the sponsors of The Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program?
A. Caring Hands is a collaborative of John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System, the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa, and social service agencies. The sponsoring agency and fiduciary agent is the John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System.
7. Who is directly responsible for operations of the program?
A. The John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System assumes in-kind actual financial support. A board of directors is legally responsible for it. The Advisory Committee, also part of the collaborative, works closely with the Program Manager to direct the operations of the program through monthly meetings.
8. What are the volunteer services provided by Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program?
A. Caring Hands provide volunteer services that are matched with seniors and include, visiting, calling, transportation and escort, shipping and errands, light household chores, meal preparations, minor home repairs and yard work, letter writing, reading assistance and respite care.
9. How are referrals obtained by Caring Hands?
A. Referrals come to Caring Hands from the county’s Senior Information and Referral Hotline: from the John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System’s Senior Services Program, Home Health Services and Discharge Planning/Case Management: from physicians; from other hospitals and home health services; and from social service programs such as the Lions Blind Center of Diablo Valley, Jewish Community Services, Senior Outreach Services, ND Rossmoor Counseling Services (Rossmoor is and exclusive retirement community with a population of over 8,000). Calls also come directly from seniors who themselves realize their need for help, or from their family members, neighbors or friends who have heard about Caring Hands.
10. Would religious congregations be a resource for the elderly?
A. Yes! Religious congregations may be the first to become aware that an individual is now struggling with chronic health problems, is grieving the loss of a spouse, or is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.
11. Does Caring Hands have some involvement with religious congregations?
A. Yes! Caring Hands works closely with religious congregations who sometimes recruit volunteers to participate in the program.
12. What are the qualifications of the volunteers?
A. All volunteers have and interview with the program manager or volunteer coordinator. The must provide three references which are checked, have a professional background screening, and provide a copy of their driver’s license and the declaration page from their automobile insurance.
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