Senior Peer Counseling     

Services are provided by volunteers, 55 years of age and older, who share skills and life experiences to help peers understand and cope with aging issues.

Senior volunteer counselors use skills and life experiences to help their peers understand and cope with aging issues such as:

• dramatic life changes

• multiple losses

• home/family conflicts

• disability due to illness

• loss of loved ones

• depression

• loneliness

• financial concerns

• role changes

• caregiver issues

• anxiety about the future

Sensitive, compassionate men and women volunteers who are 55 and older, are chosen for their ability to establish trust and rapport with peers seeking help. Counselors offer similar life experiences and the ability to actively listen. Volunteers complete extensive training and receive ongoing supervision provided by Elder Services’ professional staff.

Senior Peer Counselors aid peers in rediscovering and developing a positive self-image, greater self-awareness, and feelings of accomplishment and hope for the future. Peer Counselors visit peers in the home or setting of their choice to allow for comfort and rapport building. Depending on the need, peers can also become involved in support groups which meet once a week. They can share experiences, make new friends, and gain support from each other. In addition, family members caring for aging loved ones can receive caregiver education and support by attending Senior Peer caregiver support group meetings.