AGENDA #1b

A Helping Hand

                                                (919) 969-7111

Mission of the Organization: To provide non-medical assistance to senior citizens and the disabled and to provide respite for caregivers of the elderly, disabled or chronically ill.

History of A Helping Hand: A Helping Hand was founded in Chapel Hill in 1995. It is not affiliated with a national organization or franchise. A Helping Hand served 112 clients in 2001; 163 in 2002; 183 in 2003; and 198 in 2004. A Helping Hand has 45 volunteers who donate 2-5 hours each week to provide escorted transportation/home care to low-income clients and much-needed respite to weary caregivers. In addition, A Helping Hand has 31 paid part-time companions who serve individuals needing more extensive care. A Helping Hand responds to a wide range of requests ranging from 3 hours per week to 24-hour care.    

Population Served:  Sixty-four percent of clients served are 76+ years of age.  A Helping Hand provides services in Orange, Durham and Chatham counties. Health challenges faced by our clients include, but are not limited to, frailty due to age, impaired vision, stroke, heart problems, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and mobility issues that require an escort.

Services Provided: Assistance begins with a personal in-home assessment. Ongoing services include companion care (conversation, games, cards, etc.), escorted transportation, errands, meal preparation, correspondence, appointment scheduling, medication reminders, home organization, light housekeeping/laundry, caring for plants, arranging for household repairs, reading and discussion. A Helping Hand also employs a retired nurse practitioner with 30 years in skilled care, who serves part-time as a case manager. A Helping Hand operates two different programs. The Transportation/In-home assistance program operates on a sliding fee scale ($0-15 an hour). In-home care is provided 7 days a week/24 hours a day. Participants are matched with grant programs, when available, to subsidize the fee. The Respite Care Program is offered free of charge. Primary caregivers can receive up to three hours per week respite so they may tend to their own needs. Volunteers from local faith communities and civic organizations also provide a morning of yard work to relieve a weary caregiver.    

Companion screening and training: All companions are carefully screened and must complete a detailed application and undergo criminal background checks, DMV checks and personal reference checks.  Companions attend a general orientation and receive detailed instruction from the program coordinator regarding the specific needs of the client.

Awards and Recognition:  A Helping Hand is committed to placing well-screened companions to serve the elderly, disabled and support caregivers.

• WCHL Village Pride Award (2003-2004)
• Orange County Disability Awareness Council – Distinguished Service Award (2002)
• NC Employment Network – Award of Excellence for Distinguished Service (2002)
• Ned Brooks Award for Service Learning (named for former UNC-CH Provost) recognized A Helping Hand for its “sustained and ongoing commitment to the social concerns and needs of North Carolina communities” (2002) 

• Chapel Hill Mayor Rosemary Waldorf declared A Helping Hand Day (Nov. 5, 2000)