Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee

Respite care - provides in home visits by Volunteers for adults (mainly frail elderly persons, many have lower incomes) to provide friendly visits to the person, and Respite to the family caregivers. This includes gift of time, socialization for the person who is homebound or less able to get out of the home, and rest and relief to the individuals with an ongoing condition or illness and their family members. Most Volunteers help weekly, providing a friendly visit to the person, and Respite (a gift of time) to the family caring for the person.

Education - the program provides education to Volunteers, patients, and family caregivers. Information is provided to Volunteers such as communication skills and home safety as well as instructions for assisting homebound patients and those suffering from dementia. Education is also provided to patients and their families about senior healthcare services and ways to access those services. Safety home inspections are conducted which give seniors feedback on ways to improve the safety of their home. Home visits by staff are provided at the request of services, and for the volunteer match appointment, and then usually yearly. Phone support is always available, yearly re-assessment home visits by the case manager are provided.