Empowerment
Mercy Care assists older adults to age in place more successfully and empowers our communities to become more age-friendly.
When we accompany elders to the grocery store, it allows them to cook at home, rather than rely on somebody else to prepare food—empowering elders to continue to care for themselves.
When elders can no longer drive, or do not have other transportation options, a Mercy Care Volunteer helps them get to their medical appointments, run errands, attend community events, visit the library or visit a loved one in a nursing home.
When we join elders on neighborhood walks, it helps them remain physically active—and empowers elders to improve their own health.
All these activities, together, empower elders to live more fully, and age in place more successfully. At Mercy Care, our goal is to evaluate the needs of every individual we are friends with—holistically, spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. If there are needs Mercy Care is not able to meet, Mercy Care refers our Elder Friends to other community resources.
Mary, 90, lives in the Tri-Lakes area and does not drive. Her two daughters live in the Albany area. Mary has several chronic health conditions, and requested a Mercy Care Friendship Volunteer for assistance with grocery shopping, outings and transportation to medical appointments. Mary’s Friendship Volunteer has been with her for several years.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful volunteer you sent to me,” Mary wrote. “She is so helpful and her so very happy attitude has made my shopping and medical trips so much more fun.”
