Volunteer Companions Needed for Isolated Seniors

You might be surprised to learn that the U.S. Census Bureau’s July 2022 population estimate reports that 53% of Yavapai County’s population is concentrated in the Quad Cities area. Nearly 34% of our 122,370 Quad Cities neighbors are age 65 or older. That’s 41,606 seniors, 3,328 of whom live in poverty. Our county’s 65+ population is nearly 32% of 232,400 residents, while state-wide, it’s 18%. 18,600 (8%) of seniors are widowed.

Why is this data important?

Prescott became a retirement destination in the early 1980s, with retirees from all over the country choosing the Quad Cities area for their golden years. Not all of this population is financially secure. The unintended consequence of 40 years of explosive growth has increased the cost of living beyond the means of our fixed income neighbors who are unable to keep up.

The fact is that the Quad Cities has a large senior population that is struggling to keep up with housing costs and accessing timely medical care. There is also a lack of reliable public transportation if residents are unable to drive. Consequently, our most vulnerable senior neighbors have become isolated from the world outside their door through their lack of resources to remain independent in their homes, have pets or afford assisted living.

Living on their own with the unexpected loss of a spouse, family loved one or friends has increased their isolation and loneliness. Gerontology research reveals that isolation and loneliness leads to higher risks for prolonged serious medical illness, and behavioral and mental challenges such as anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and even death. These risks were compounded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thankfully, the Quad Cities is blessed with a non-profit social services agency whose mission is focused on improving the lives of our isolated elders through the help of dedicated volunteers. Unfortunately, the pandemic decimated the volunteer network created before 2020. Now that it appears that social isolation is no longer necessary, it is time to rebuild our collective volunteer base for those who want to serve our less fortunate neighbors.

Seniors Making Connections

Nearly 20 years ago, Polara Health (formerly West Yavapai Guidance Clinic) established the county’s first volunteer companionship program for isolated seniors 60 years of age and older as a prevention program for isolation risk-factors. People who engage in activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood and have a sense of purpose. These activities seem to help maintain their well-being and may improve their cognitive function.

By 2018, the Senior Peer Program was focused on providing trained volunteers for (1) one-on-one companionship for isolated seniors, and (2) seven support groups facilitated by knowledgeable volunteers. By 2020, 75 Senior Peers served nearly 150 isolated seniors. After the COVID-19 lockdown, our volunteer corps has been reduced to six group facilitators and 14 one-on-one companions for 14 seniors.

Rebuilding the Senior Peer Program

On hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, Polara Health is relaunching the Senior Peer program under new leadership. The demand for volunteer companions exceeds available volunteers. We are determined to rebuild our volunteer corps to meet the needs of our most vulnerable seniors to increase access to behavioral health care, reduce loneliness and stigma around mental health conditions, and provide a lasting impact on the area’s senior populations.

For more information on becoming a Senior Peer Volunteer, contact Melanie Jacobson by email at m.jacobson@polarahealth, or phone at 928-455-2511 ext. 2035, or check out our website at www.polarahealth.com. QCBN

By Deanna Eder

Deanna Eder is the director of marketing and communications at Polara Health. For more information, visit polarahealth.com.