We at NWSDS understand life is all about change. As we get older, we all experience events which produce life transitions such as the death of loved ones, new living arrangements, changes in physical and emotional health, and changes in relationships. Sometimes, though, change causes feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, and guilt.
The good news is we are never too old to learn from change — to learn to live better with change! Being able to talk with someone close to your age can be especially comforting and helpful. Senior counselors are trained volunteers. They are not problem solvers, yet desire to help you understand and cope with your life changes. They want to help you remain independent, self-reliant, and promote healthy aging.
After an initial in-home assessment, seniors accepted into this program are matched with a senior counselor. People are not obligated to enter the program and may leave at any time. Meetings with the senior counselor occur in a person’s home, usually one hour a week at a mutually convenient time. The visits may go on for a few weeks to a maximum of one year. All conversations are strictly confidential.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in becoming a senior peer counselor, please contact Jeff Lukehart at (503) 304-3414, 1 (800) 469-8772, or jeff.lukehart@nwsds.org.
