BEAM expanding program for seniors at the Beaches

When Debbie Andalora, MSW, became the senior program case manager last year, BEAM already had a program for seniors in place.
“We’ve always served seniors,” she said,“ but we recognized that they needed more.”
BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry) exists to serve low-income residents of the Beaches. Their programs benefit greatly from community support from churches, individuals, businesses and organizations.
Andalora began her assignment to this ministry by reaching out to see what needs were not being met – collecting data, networking with other service providers and researching to avoid duplicating services.
She identified several needs: minor home repairs, yard work, friendly visitors, phone reassurance – all things to help a senior stay in his or her home longer.
“We found they need help with minor repairs, like air conditioning, to keep energy efficiency in their homes.”
The first such need BEAM met was the repair of a hot water heater. In that case, a licensed technician was required. Most of the expanded service, she said, can be filled by volunteers “with a heart for seniors.”
“Our goal now is to recruit a volunteer corps to match the needs.”
For the handyman work, the needs include minor faucet replacement, plumbing leaks, caulking, painting, door repair, wood rot and carpentry.
“We also need friendly visitors,” she said, “who will make a commitment of six months. It would take this time to make a relationship.”
Another service the volunteers could provide would be a respite visit of a couple hours to allow a caregiver to have some time out. There would be no overnights, no giving medicines. There could be some light meal preparation, but that would be up to the volunteer.
“We seek to develop a network of volunteers and business partners interested in providing individualized care to seniors in the program.”
Andalora suggested that small groups, like neighbors or a church group, could adopt this as a project to do together.
Those interested are invited to call her at BEAM, 241-7437, ext. 110.
To help in the senior program, you will register at the Web site, jaxbeam.org, and indicate where you want to serve. The option of senior care is listed on the Web site. Volunteers will receive a background check.
“Seniors are vulnerable and we would be sending someone into their private homes.”
Locating seniors with needs is a priority. BEAM serves those 60 and older in the following ZIP codes: 32082, 32224, 32227, 32233, 32250 and 32266. There is no income screening.
“If you know of a senior who needs something extra, contact me,” Andalora said. “It could be someone in your congregation, family or neighborhood. Let the person know he or she is being referred.”
Many seniors are independent, so the volunteers need to know they are welcome and expected. Andalora said she talks to the senior and asks what kind of assistance they need.
“We encounter depression, anxiety, loneliness and vulnerability. They don’t always know the questions to ask.”
It might be a leak in a water system that can’t be fixed. In a case like that, BEAM might help with a water bill, and then work with other social service agencies to find a sustainable solution.
Andalora, with a master’s in social work, has 25 years non-profit experience. Her career began as a clinical social worker in New York. Her 12 years with Volunteer Jacksonville gave her a solid background in supporting volunteers. She came to BEAM because she knew of the good work that this organization does.
BEAM’s Web site explains the goal of the senior program this way: “Our goal is to ensure beaches area seniors live comfortably and independently for as long as possible by increasing access to systems of care available at BEAM or other local partners.”