The Pioneer Valley Memory Care Initiative (PVMCI) of Cooley Dickinson

Description

PVMCI has provided support to over 170 people living with memory loss by providing individualized support to both the individual living with memory loss and their care partners in the community. Volunteers serve in a variety of ways - most often by providing companionship visits to people in their homes in the community. This can be enjoying time at a local museum, walking at a park, having a cup of tea and chatting or anyway that the volunteer and participant enjoy spending time together. We connect volunteers with people who have similar interests and provide ongoing education and support to volunteers. Volunteers also support our program in other ways - by volunteering at the memory cafes we co-host at the Northampton Senior Center, by assisting with administrative tasks, providing therapeutic pet visits and supportive phone calls. Volunteers with PVMCI consistently bring smiles to the people we serve, help to reduce the isolation experienced by many elders, provide breaks and listening ears to care partners, and help elders maintain their maximum potential in the community.