Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County is home to a wide variety of programs that help the community from birth throughout the aging process. One program that offer support to caregivers is the Volunteer Caregiver Respite Program (VCR), which connects caregivers with respite care. We sat down with Jeannette Matthews, a Resource Specialist in Caregiver Services. Jeannette shared the basics of the program, how to get involved, and what to do if you are a caregiver that could use extra assistance.
Ahead of the Curve: If you had to give an “elevator speech” about what your organization does, how would you describe it?
JM: The Volunteer Caregiver Respite Program (VCR) of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw (CSSW) matches trained volunteers with caregivers for companionship visits so that the caregiver can have a break. The volunteers offer socially supportive visits by playing games, doing puzzles, encouraging reminiscence, etc., but cannot provide hands-on care. Either the caregiver or the care recipient needs to be age 60 or older. Typically, the visits last 2-4 hours per week.
AOTC: Walk me through the step-by-step process. What happens when you get a phone call/referral?
JM: If a prospective volunteer inquiries about services, we send them information about the program. They then receive a packet of forms to complete, including an application, volunteer job description, names of two references, and authorization for background checks. An orientation that lasts about 45 minutes is scheduled once the background checks are cleared, which only takes a day or so. Once all that is done, we find the best match for a caregiver based on time availability, geographical distance, and personality preferences. The volunteer and I meet with the caregiver and if everyone wants to go forward, a Match Agreement is signed.
When a caregiver seeks to enroll, I go to where the visit would take place, usually the caregiver’s home, and we discuss the caregiver and care recipient’s needs. Papers are signed. As above, an appropriate match is suggested and a “meet and greet” visit is scheduled, and then the Match Agreement is signed if everyone is on board.
AOTC: What organizations do you work closely with?
JM: Caregiver referrals often come from medical offices and from our own outreach efforts. With the caregiver’s permission, we make internal referrals to other CSSW areas of focus such as Home Maintenance/Safety and Behavioral Health departments. We work closely with a number of community organizations, including Jewish Family Services (JFS), Silver Club, and many senior centers. We are funded through the Area Agency on Aging and often cross refer with that organization.
AOTC: What are some things you wish the public knew about your role?
JM: I wish more Washtenaw County caregivers knew about the help offered through the Volunteer Caregiver Respite program, and I wish more people knew about the satisfaction of volunteering in this setting where long-term friendships often develop, and the rewards are well-worth the time invested.
AOTC: What tips do you have for someone with a loved one that needs assistance?
JM: I would strongly suggest that caregivers reach out to us for a volunteer caregiver so they can have a few hours to themselves per week. It is more than okay to let others help.
AOTC: Is there anything you would like to add?
JM: We need volunteers! Anyone age 18 or over can volunteer with the Volunteer Caregiver Respite Program. College students can earn community hours and possible internship experience. All adults can add meaning and purpose to their lives by offering a few hours a week so a caregiver can run errands, get a haircut, or even take a nap!
Thank you, Jeannette, for sharing about this unique program. Visit the CSSW website for more information on the Volunteer Caregiver Respite Program
