The Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County recognizes that volunteers are an essential part of the success of the Agency. Therefore volunteerism is encouraged, appreciated and supported. A core purpose of volunteering is the sharing of our time and talents to support and help each other. The Agency recognizes that there exists a variety of opportunities for volunteers to provide service and support to the Senior Centers.

PA MEDI BENEFITS & INSURANCE COUNSELING

Trained volunteers meet and advise persons who are requesting assistance with Medicare and Medicaid. They help in the completion of reimbursement forms for Medicare and supplemental insurance, and filling out applications for Property Tax, Rent Rebates and PACE programs. The volunteers also discuss supplemental insurance options and advocate for persons facing appeals or denials of benefits.

Service is usually provided by appointment in senior community centers on scheduled days. When travel to a senior community service center is not possible, volunteers will arrange for a home visit.

Health Insurance Counseling - PA MEDI Volunteers

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are trained to do on-site visits with residents at nursing homes and residential care facilities. Volunteers may deal with questions about rights and responsibilities or policies and procedures. A professional Ombudsman oversees the program.

SENIOR CENTER VOLUNTEERS

The following list is provided as a summary of opportunities but in no way is meant to be an exhausted list:

Front Desk

Counting Lunch Money

Answering the phone

Managing the kitchen

Serving lunch

Clean up after lunch

Beatification projects for Centers, i.e. decorating, planting flowers, organizing the Center

Working at special events organized by the Center

Calling Bingo and/or assisting with other games and entertainment

Serving on advisory councils or center committees as needed

Fund Raising (on and off site)

Promoting/representing the Senior Center at community events

Organizing and assisting with trips and other Center special events

Research projects for the Center, i.e. entertainment possibilities, how to fund raise, etc.…

Assisting with the Farmer’s Market, Senior Expo, or other Agency activities that directly involve the Centers

Helping with the Senior Newsletter

Cleaning

Wii Bowling, other Wii games/exercise

Leading and or assisting with Exercise programs

Book Club

Teaching Classes