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WGLT's reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, which began in McLean County in March 2020.

Want To Be A Hero? Volunteer For Agency Serving Older Adults

Woman looks thru window
Jacqueline Larma
/
AP
Because older adults are at higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus, the best way to support them is to keep them safe at home.

“You are my hero for today."

That’s what one senior citizen said to East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging (ECIAAA) Director Susan Real as she completed her last round of deliveries.

ECIAAA plans, coordinates, and advocates for around 184,000 people 60 and older across 16 counties, including McLean County. And because older adults are at higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus, the best way to support them is to keep them safe at home.

Poster for ECIAAA
Credit ECIAAA
The East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging is seeking volunteers.

To do that, ECIAAA needs more volunteers to do grocery shopping, food and medication delivery, and do phone check-ins. And recruiting more volunteers is not easy because everyone is trying to follow social-distancing guidance.

“The challenge is making sure that we not only respond to their needs as they’re sheltering in place,” said Real, “but also making sure that they’re getting what they need. So making sure nutrition is being delivered.”

ECIAAA has spent the past 40 years feeding, assisting, and caring for the aging adult population. But the coronavirus poses new challenges, especially when it comes to the mental health of older adults.

“There is an emerging need for volunteers to do grocery shopping for older adults and medicine delivery,” said Real. “But another new program that is equally critical is reducing social isolation because it, too, can have a negative health impact on our older adults.”

Telephone reassurance was recently established to help combat feelings of loneliness as aging loved ones practice social distancing.

“These individuals are really eager and hungry for that contact. They really appreciate someone calling and checking in on them,” said Real.

Volunteers are matched with a service that best suits their interests. Those willing to help from a distance will be a part of their “friendly caller” program. Others comfortable doing deliveries will have anywhere from two to four clients on a given day. To abide by proper social-distancing guidelines, volunteers will set clients’ items outside their door. 

“We have taken that next common-sense approach,” said Real.

With personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, some volunteers have made their own face masks to stay extra protected on the job. 

“The seniors are so appreciative of all this, which makes it rewarding for all of us. We are really making a difference in their lives,” said Real. 

Real said volunteering is very rewarding. 

“The goodness in wanting to help others, that’s the true human spirit, and it’s really coming through in seeing what our volunteers have been able to overcome,” said Real.

For more information on ECIAAA and/or volunteering, contact Amber Johnson at ajohnson@eciaaa.org or call (309) 829-2065 ext. 201.

We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WGLT will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WGLT can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.

Jolie Sherman is a newsroom intern at WGLT. She joined WGLT in fall 2019.
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