Community Thanks August 24, 2013
OMBUDSMAN: Thanks to The Press
When I first started recruiting volunteers for the ombudsman program, I tried all sorts of things I thought would spike interest in our program. I visited 16 churches, called organizations to give short talks, tacked up fliers hither and yon, printed out book marks and left them in piles on counters, and wrote newspaper ads. When our program received a small grant, we excitedly spent it on a digital billboard. It was sure to grab attention, right? Wrong. So what was I to do?
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the ombudsman program, every state has one as part of the Older Americans Act. The purpose of the program is to advocate for residents in long term care. We visit assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, talk to residents, observe the environment and solve problems. We are very busy.
More facilities are being built and trained volunteer ombudsman are a much needed addition to our presence in the facilities. So when all the other avenues of recruitment gained very little interest, I got the bright idea of writing an article for The Press. Maybe that would get a better response. Boy, did it!
Editor Mike Patrick, bless his heart, has printed everything I've written for the past several years. The articles have been the main source of ombudsman volunteers and I am grateful to The Press and to Mike for being so obliging, and to the readers who answered the call.
My September ombudsman training is full. But there are other ways to volunteer through the Area Agency on Aging. The Friendship Corps needs you. Here in Kootenai County there are many lonely elders waiting in their homes and in assisted living facilities for a special friend to visit on a regular basis. A smiling, familiar face can turn someone's life around. A friendly visitor offers companionship, emotional support and information about community services.
Sarah's new friend, Jane, helps her sort out a box of photos for an album while they have tea in her little house. Sarah has been scrimping on food to save money, but Jane helped her receive regular deliveries of Meals on Wheels. Sarah says it's wonderful to have a friend who cares about her.
George rarely leaves his room at the facility, feeling alone and depressed. But his new friend, Jack, has coaxed him to sit at the kitchen table, have a cup of coffee, and talk about his life as a lumberman. George is coming out of his shell and feels he matters to someone. Both of the volunteers feel their lives have expanded too. What a worthwhile way to give of yourself.
To find out more about the Ombudsman Program contact Jan Noyes, 667-3179 Ext. 423, jnoyes@aaani.org. For the Friendship Corps, contact Dave Hoover, 667-3179 ext. 227, dhoover@aaani.org.
JAN NOYES
volunteer ombudsman coordinator
Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho