VOLUNTEER COMPANIONS NEEDED FOR ISOLATED SENIORS
You might be surprised to learn that the US 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 which live in poverty. County-wide, our County’s 65+ population is nearly 32% of 232,400 residents, while state-wide it’s 18%. 18,600 (8%) seniors, are widowed.
Why is this data important?
Prescott became a retirement destination in the early 1980’s with retirees from all over the country choosing the Quad-City area for their golden years. Not all of this population are 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, accessing timely medical care, and the lack of reliable public transportation if 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 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 helped decimated the volunteer network created before 2020. Now that it appears 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.
Polara Health Senior Peer Program: Seniors Making Connections through Companionship
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 lockdown, our volunteer corps has been reduced to six group facilitators and 14 one-on-one companions for 14 seniors.
How can you help?
On hold during the COVID 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 healthcare, 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