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Elder Support and Advocacy

Our new Elder Support and Advocacy program, introduced in the fall of 2011, provides a higher level of volunteer companionship than our traditional visiting services. ESA is designed to support elders who are experiencing transitions related to aging, which can include health, adjustment or isolation issues.

Because elders move from one care level to another in their own unique way, ESA strives to meet each person where they are, treating them with dignity and respect. Elders in the ESA program receive weekly visits from trained volunteers, and participate in goal-planning and assistance with such issues as grief, loss, role changes, isolation and loneliness, health concerns and more.

After an extensive 36-hour training, the ESA volunteer works with assigned elders on a weekly basis. Ongoing monthly training and group supervision are also required for ESA volunteers throughout the year. Services are provided on a one-to-one basis in the elder's home.

ESA participant criteria:

• Age 60 or better
• Currently enrolled in LBFE's Companionship Services
• Experiencing anxiety or grief and loss due to a significant life event
• Resident of Hennepin or Ramsey County
• Person does not reside in a nursing home
• Person agrees to participate in program evaluation
• Cognitively able to participate in the program
• Agrees to in-home assessment interview
• Will accept private weekly meetings

For Elder Support and Advocacy inquiries, please contact Dianne Feltham at 612.746.0732 or dfeltham@littlebrothersmn.org.