Rsvp's mission of improving lives will be met in cache and rich counties by building a volunteer network which will provide respite to caregivers and companionship to older adults

An estimated 150 rsvp volunteers will serve over a three year period. Of this number, all 150 rsvp volunteers will be assigned to outcome assignments and deliver either respite or companionship partnerships, while some may be encouraged to additionally participate in the recognition events and contact activity to ensure these activities meet the needs of the rsvp volunteers. Volunteer assignments will include providing respite care to caregivers wherever they call home be IT assisted living centers, skilled care or dementia centers or homes, as well as companionship activities. The primary focus area of this project is healthy futures with the objectives of aging in place and aging in place - respite. Identification of caregivers welcoming respite and seniors who may benefit from companionship will be an essential piece of the program. The rsvp coordinator will have responsibility for creating final plans for recruitment and retention of both rsvp volunteers and individual service receivers, orientation, training and volunteer matching. Additional support will be provided by a staff assistant to schedule visits, place reminder calls, assist with material collection and distribution and general office assignments. High quality assessment and analysis of participant characteristics (related to recruitment/attrition) and program effectiveness, as well as specialized education and training for the rsvp director, staff assistant and volunteers, will be subcontracted to 2 gerontological faculty of utah state. At the end of the three-year grant, at least 150 dementia caregivers or older adults needing companionship will have improved social ties, increased social support and reduction in daily stressors. We also expect to demonstrate the impact of volunteering on stress and well-being for the rsvp volunteers. The cncs federal investment of $75,000 in year one will be supplemented by $13,620.