1 Senior Support Program of the Tri-ValleyOAR TEPPING OUT AND RECONNECTING Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley

2 Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley(925) 5353 Sunol Boulevard Pleasanton, CA 94566 TITLE “Giving our best to a special generation”

3 Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley33 years ago… …we set out to meet the needs of seniors aged 60 and older in the Tri-Valley. Mission: Provide services and assistance that will: Promote safety and well being Foster independence Preserve dignity Improve quality of life How do you define your community?

4 How have you developed your modelHow have you developed your model?  Includes reference to financial support

5 Innovation SOAR Create a program that: Addresses isolationCreates a safe environment Equips seniors with relationship building skills Gives the senior opportunities to learn and grow Connects seniors with their peers Provides senior with meaningful relationships Gets seniors out of their homes and into the community Support, support, support How do you define your community?

6 SOAR Stepping Out And ReconnectingFour part program Six weeks each About six months long Opportunities for long-term growth Seniors provide continuous feedback and create the program’s roadmap SOAR Stepping Out And Reconnecting How do you define your community?

7 Part 1: Reconnecting SOAR In-Home Counseling addresses: DisconnectionLoneliness Lack of motivation Sadness/grief Hopelessness Loss of interest or abilities to do what makes you happy Loss of self-purpose How do you define your community?

8 SOAR Orientation Day 1:00 Welcome Acknowledgement for taking this stepGeneral information about the SOAR program Convey a feeling of comfort (a safe and secure environment), hope for the future and a feeling of fun and excitement   1:15 Introductions Name game (Cara – Chocolate or Cara – Curious) Name tags 1:45 Planning Special Interest Classes and Outings Brainstorming No bad ideas Think “out of the box” 2:15 Goodie Bags Binder Contact information for SOAR Staff Calendars for the first two months of the program Lunch menus Binder paper Senior services information , pen, snack bag, bottle of water 2:30 Dessert and Visiting Time How do you define your community?

9 Part 2: Inspiration SOAR SOAR provides classes on:nutrition medication management healthy choices stress management physical fitness fall prevention meditation Classes are interactive and packed with helpful health information. How do you define your community?

10 SOAR Part 2: Inspiration How do you define your community?

11 SOAR How do you define your community?

12 Part 3: Special Interest ClassesSOAR Part 3: Special Interest Classes Choose from numerous activities: Cooking demos Music Arts and crafts Pet therapy Swap Meet Special Interest Classes allow participants to engage in interactive and independent activities. How do you define your community?

13 SAMPLE: Special Interest ClassSOAR Discussion: Get to know you Two truths and one lie “Food for Thought” Dyad discussion about sayings “Life isn’t fair, but it is still good.” “Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.” Exercise Walk in the garden Seated yoga Activity Arts and crafts Dog Therapy SAMPLE: Special Interest Class Goals Sharing about oneself Finding commonalities Making connections How do you define your community?

14 Part 4: Stepping Out SOARExplore various social outings and actively participate in activities outside the center! Explore points of interest Lunch outings Parks Farmer’s Markets Movies/plays How do you define your community?

15 Essential Supports SOAR Hospitality Lunch (and dessert) TransportationFeeling special, respected, cared for and supported “Having our friends over for lunch” Lunch (and dessert) Healthy hot meal Casual table conversation Transportation Emotional and physical challenges Staff and volunteer drivers How do you define your community?

16 Essential Components SOAR In-Home Counseling Large group discussionConnection and community is created Exercise Tai Chi Balloons Parachute Activity Creative outlet Team building How do you define your community?

17 What We Learned SOAR Counseling and Support Calls/phone contactOn-going individual counseling Wrap-around support Issues that come up in group sessions can be addressed in counseling Calls/phone contact Weekly reminder/check-in calls Belonging Sharing common interests, concerns and understanding Self-esteem builds > group cohesion > higher self-esteem How do you define your community?

18 Case Study SOAR Ms. S 75-year-old female Lives alone with no familyDementia, major depression, possible substance abuse Crying and angry during transportation services Initially quiet, gruff, and grumpy in SOAR group Warmed-up to peers and began making connections Became happier and friendlier Began looking forward to SOAR, which changed her outlook on life Only missed 1 session out of 18 weeks of SOAR Always made others feel welcomed and helped staff Came out of depression, smiled more, and stopped crying How do you define your community?

19 Participant Feedback SOAR “This has really changed my life.”“I look forward to [SOAR on] Fridays.” “There is so much talent here.” “There is life after life. Life is not over.” “I was so alone. I got to be part of this great group of women.” “SOAR came into my life at the right time.” “I learned something new every week.” “I give it an 11 out of 10.” How do you define your community?

20 After the Program… SOAR SOAR Support Group Ongoing counseling supportMeets twice a month Reminder/check-in calls Paratransit for Transportation Encourage phone calls between members and involvement in community activities Theme for each meeting INCLUDES LUNCH! How do you define your community?

21 SOAR SAMPLE Support Group Fall HarvestChinese Theme Lunch: Vegetarian chow mein, rice, Chinese chicken salad, fortune cookies, orange slices Discussion: Chinese Zodiac Exercise: Tai Chi Activity: Chinese symbol rocks Fall Harvest Lunch: Soups and salads, bread, pie Discussion: seasonal depression and the power of being grateful Exercise: balloons Activity: Card making for the holidays How do you define your community?

22 Thank You!

23 Senior Support ProgramSOAR Questions? SOAR Program Staff Suzanne Gorham, MFT Amy Jones Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley 5353 Sunol Blvd. Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) How do you define your community?