WFIA provides assistance with everyday tasks of life to the elderly, chronically ill and disabled adults living in Williamsburg, James City County and the Bruton District of York County (Greater Williamsburg Area). Services include, but are not limited to: transportation, respite care, friendly visiting, reassurance calls, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and yard work.
Transportation
Volunteers provide transportation to doctor or dental appointments, grocery shopping, beauty salon or barber shop, library, post office, church, and errands. In many areas of Greater Williamsburg, public transportation is not consistently available. Even where it is available, it often is too difficult for elders to withstand or maneuver. Without transportation, older adults lose their independence and are denied access to basic living services such as getting to medical appointments, buying groceries, or accessing social services. As more and more people live away from family, the need for transportation services is increasing. And, even when their family does live near, family members are often at work during the times when they need to get to their appointments or activities.
Studies have shown that more than one in five (21%) Americans age 65 and older do not drive. Reasons include declining health, eyesight, physical or mental abilities; concern over safety; no car or no access to a car; or personal preference. [Source: Bailey, L. (2004, April). Aging Americans: Stranded Without Options. Surface Transportation Policy Project. Read the full report here.]
Respite Care
Respite care volunteers offer temporary relief for family caregivers by serving as companions to care receivers who have a physical disability or dementia. Caregivers often dedicate all of their energy to meeting the needs of a loved one while postponing their own needs which can jeopardize their own physical health and emotional well-being.
Respite care volunteers offer quality companionship so that the primary caregiver can enjoy a few hours off to attend to their needs. This has several benefits as it gives the primary caregiver time
- To enjoy other activities like lunch with a friend or a walk around the lake
- To run errands or make appointments without feeling rushed
- To spend time with other family members
Please note that respite care providers do not provide any hands-on personal care, which includes medicating, toileting, or bathing.
Friendly Visiting
WFIA matches a volunteer and care receiver who have similar interests. The volunteer calls or visits with the care receiver every week to discuss their hobbies, work, and to just talk about life.
Telephone Assurance
Volunteers make calls to care receivers to check on them or just to visit by phone. Calls are made on a daily or weekly basis depending on the request of the care receiver.
Grocery Shopping
The volunteer will drive the care receiver to the grocery store and assist them with shopping if needed, or the volunteer will pick up their grocery list and money and shop for them.
Light Housekeeping
Some of our volunteers perform light housekeeping duties, such as vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes, or changing linens. Volunteers who provide this service always provide more than a clean home. They provide a friendly face and listening ear.
Light Yard Work
Volunteers provide seasonal help with yard work, such as raking leaves, mowing grass, or trimming shrubbery. These services do not require the skills of a professional.
757-258-5890 (office number)
