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Boulder County Area Agency on Aging creates pilot program to combat isolation of elderly LGBTQ population

Daily Times-Call - 11/17/2019

Nov. 17--Those who know 76-year-old Barbara Shore would hardly describe her as sedentary.

Shore, of Niwot, is a retired physical education teacher who loved riding motorcycles and volunteering with the Colorado Special Olympics. Since her left leg was amputated six years ago, following a motor scooter crash, and pain in her shoulders has gotten worse in the wake of rotator cuff surgery, Shore hasn't been able to get out as she did before.

In an effort to help people like Shore combat social isolation, the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging started the Rainbow Connections pilot program to bring together volunteers and LGBTQ+ individuals who are 60 and older with the goal of creating companionship, connection and community.

Through the pilot, three members were paired with someone who shares their LGBTQ+ identity -- an emphasis Michael Chifalo, an Area Agency on Aging LGBTQ+ programs specialist, believes is an important element.

"A volunteer program in itself would be great for folks, but having the specific LGBTQ+ identified person allows that to be something that is out in the open," Chifalo said. "Right from the beginning they know this person who is coming to their house is a safe person they can be out to."

The pilot started in April with the training and screening of three volunteers. In June, they were matched with three elderly LGBTQ+ individuals.

This month, the Area Agency on Aging announced it received an Open Door Grant from St. Andrew Presbyterian Church of Boulder, which will help the program recruit more volunteers and help more elderly LGBTQ+ community members in need.

Shore said the program has made a difference in her life. Every Thursday she looks forward to seeing volunteer Kay Krewson. They have gone to the movies, picnicked at Heil Valley Ranch, visited higher elevations to see the leaves change and spent an afternoon working on Shore's computer.

"It's nice to have someone I consider a friend and companion to do those things with," Shore said. "It's nice to have something to look forward to that's not a chore that I have to do."

Chifalo said Rainbow Connections was created after a survey for LGBTQ+ adults revealed a need for more social connection opportunities.

"Older adults in general are very socially isolated and as we get older that increases and when you add the LGBTQ+ status, it is exacerbated exponentially," Chifalo said. "A lot of older folks who may have been out their whole lives, often end up going back into the closet, in order to seek services, because they are afraid of whether the service will be inclusive."

Shore started noticing difficulty getting out and about after her losing her leg. Shortly after the scooter crash, a number of Shore's friends passed away. She also found that maneuvering her wheelchair in and out of the car was becoming cumbersome.

"I've just been limited to the amount of social contacts with things I can get out and do," Shore said. "I just felt really isolated out here and not with a lot to do."

Social isolation doesn't just lead to loneliness, it has also been tied to health problems that can decrease life expectancy, such as an increased risk of stroke, dementia and heart attacks, according to the American Association for Retired Persons. One in three adults reported in an AARP survey that they lacked regular companionship.

Since joining Rainbow Connections, Shore said she can now get out of the house for more than doctor's appointments and chores.

Area Agency on Aging's Chifalo said, "I feel like everyone has made a really good connection with their volunteer and been able to engage in productive activities that have gotten them back out into the community. People are going over their two-hour commitment, which I think shows not that recipients are needy, but that they are both enjoying their time together."

The program is seeking new volunteers. Those interested will be screened for the position and must have references and pass a background check and a motor vehicle check. The Area Agency on Aging also conducts home visits of Rainbow Connections homes to make sure it is safe for volunteers and that members have needed resources.

Want to volunteer?

People interested in becoming a Rainbow Connections volunteer can request an application by emailing Michael Chifalo at mchifalo@bouldercounty.org.

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