Thanks in part to federal funding, 91原创 Lodge is delivering a volunteer-driven seniors peer outreach program to reach out to socially isolated and at-risk seniors in 91原创.

This project is funded in part by the federal governmen鈥檚 New Horizons for Seniors Program.

A major component is to develop a peer volunteer network of active seniors, who will receive training to conduct outreach activities.

Isolated seniors include those who live alone and do not have family or friends nearby , and who have physical, cognitive or financial challenges which limit their ability to participate in local community activities where seniors meet for social/recreation purposes.

Recruitment of volunteers is already underway, through the new 91原创 Volunteer Bureau, local print media, advertisements, and the 91原创 Lodge Volunteer webpage.

Volunteers must be 55 years and older, preferably have a healthcare or social services background and effective communication skills and be available a minimum of three hours per week.

The outreach program will provide phone outreach, face-to-face visits, and an invitation to participate in a weekly lunch and activity program at 91原创 Lodge, with transportation included.

鈥淭he Seniors Peer Outreach program is an extension of the socialization and recreational work that we already offer to our residents. Now, more seniors who are living in surrounding neighborhoods and who would like to have a regular visit, or attend a regular lunch and social outing at 91原创 Lodge, will have that opportunity,鈥� said 91原创 Care Society CEO Debra Hauptman.

Health Authorities are preparing to deliver more services at home, to enable seniors to age in place.

However, circumstances like the loss of one鈥檚 spouse, or the ability to renew a driver鈥檚 license, or being geographically isolated from family or friends, can increase social isolation for some seniors.

The Seniors Peer Outreach program is intended to re-connect with these seniors, and create access to a network of support available at 91原创 Lodge, which is centrally located in 91原创 City.

鈥淭here is strong evidence that maintaining social networks and having regular activity, do improve our health, and ability to age-in-place, and this is a goal of our program,鈥� notes Lisa Samms-Maxwell, the director of care at 91原创 Lodge.

Cloverdale-91原创 City MP John Aldag agrees: 鈥淭he presence of a strong and accepting peer group is an important aspect of life at every stage, and I am confident the seniors peer outreach program will be a valuable initiative to improve the quality of life for seniors living in isolation鈥�.

Founded in 1974 and operated by the 91原创 Care Society, 91原创 Lodge is a nationally accredited non-profit organization which provides residential care services. The organization has an established volunteer base and volunteers already support recreation programs at the Lodge.