Chats replace visits during the pandemic
No doubt over the past year you have heard someone describe the many impacts on our daily lives because of COVID-19 as the “new normal.” Certainly, COVID’s impact on Community Caregivers normal operations has been profound.
The pandemic has presented many disruptions to the normal routines of our clients, and our volunteers. Early on during this pandemic, our team members used their creativity to continue to find ways to support our neighbors, many of whom were affected by physically distancing protocols eliminating friendly visits, leading to even greater feelings of isolation.
While we continue to safely provide services such as grocery shopping, pharmacy pick-up, reassurance phone calls, and transportation, our friendly in-home visits have been placed on hold. Community Caregivers looked for another way to engage those at home and launched our weekly “Lunchtime Chat” sessions that have quickly become popular.
These phone-in presentations and discussions feature interesting new topics each week with a variety of knowledgeable speakers from the Capital District. Over winter months, we have learned about the history of the New York State Thruway, partnered with AARP for a series called “Brain Health and Staying Sharp,” and enjoyed a conversation about the joy of storytelling to name a few.
Our upcoming “Chats” include another partnership with AARP on safety from phone scams; we also have planned a discussion about caring for houseplants. You can reach out to us for the full schedule.
The topics are varied and intended to inform and at times entertain. To join the chats, call into 518-992-6661 every Tuesday and Friday at 1 p.m.
We also offer a mindful breathing session. Everyone is welcome to join us every Monday at 1:15 p.m. and Wednesday morning at 9:15 to experience mindfulness — call 518 992-6661.
Our mission at Community Caregivers is to provide services that enable individuals residing in Albany and Rensselaer counties to maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life within their homes and communities.
We can only accomplish this through the support of our generous and dedicated volunteers. Our volunteer recruitment is ongoing and we would love for you to get to know us through an orientation. Contact to find out how an hour of your time can have a big impact on one of your neighbors.
****
Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Its funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging and the United States Administration on Aging. Community Caregivers also provides services by phone in Rensselaer County to reduce isolation and make referrals for other needed services.
Editor’s note: Meredith Osta is the director of Volunteer and Community Engagement for the Community Caregivers.