One Idea for an Aging America: A Volunteer Corps of Caregivers

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is moving forward on the establishment of a National Volunteer Care Corps, reports the Tampa Bay Times . The program would have healthy retirees and young adults take seniors to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, help with household tasks, or visit a few times a week. Younger participants could receive class credit at a community college or small stipends, while older volunteers could find a sense of purpose. Seniors would get companionship and relief from social isolation, while caregivers could have some of their burden relieved. Four organizations will lead the Care Corps project — the Oasis Institute, which operates the largest U.S. volunteer intergenerational tutoring program; the Caregiver Action Network; the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging; and the Altarum Institute. ACL's Greg Link says the Corps will receive an initial grant of $3.8 million, and this fall project leaders will invite organizations across the country to propose services to meet non-medical needs of older adults and younger adults with disabilities. The Oasis Institute's Juliet Simone said up to 30 organizations will receive 18-month grants of $30,000 to $250,000 next spring, with the overriding goal of finding innovative, effective programs that provide services to diverse communities that can be duplicated in multiple locations.