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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information In 50 words or less, “Why I want to be a SHINE volunteer”
By Margie Ware
We actually don’t require people to write an essay in order to apply as SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) volunteers, but if we did…the ideal essay might look something like this:
“I didn’t know much about the Medicare system until two things happened: my parents needed help with picking a Medicare D plan and my spouse was turning 65. Suddenly, I realized there was this whole other world that didn’t include employer healthcare coverage. There were Parts A and B and D of Medicare. There were gaps. There was supplemental insurance. No one covered dental or hearing aids or eyeglasses and it all seemed pretty confusing.
It took me three months to figure this out, and I’m luckier than most people, because I have Internet skills. Fortunately a friend told me about the SHINE program. In 45 minutes the counselor told me what it had taken me more than three months to try and dig up on my own. I don’t want other families to have to go through the same thing. I’m retired from my job as a guidance counselor so I have good listening skills, and I like to learn about new things. Since I’m still helping my parents, I have experience with older people and their needs. While I have a relatively busy schedule, I believe I have time to devote to training, and don’t mind attending monthly meetings. I understand that things change often so continuing education is a big part of my commitment. And I’m willing to spend a set amount of time counseling at my local Council on Aging and can make the occasional home visit if necessary.”
OK, so it was more than 50 words but you get my point. While many of our SHINE counselors have previous backgrounds in healthcare or insurance, it isn’t necessary. My own background included neither of those fields, but I discovered that an interest in public policy and human services was a sufficient background to help me learn the ins and outs of the Medicare, Medigap, public benefits and prescription drug worlds.
If you enjoy people and like to learn new things, this may be a wonderful volunteer opportunity for you. And please feel free to pass this article along to someone in your family, faith community, or neighborhood that you believe has the talents to take on SHINE training.
Applications for our new training class are available now. To have an application mailed, please call the SHINE department at 499-0524, ext.161 or 800-544-5242, ext. 161. We will be holding an information session for potential volunteers in August so that applicants know the requirements of the program before they make a commitment. The training program begins September 12 and meets for three days a week for three weeks. Graduation is in mid-October so that the newly-trained SHINE counselors can assist us with the open enrollment for Medicare Part D in November and December. If you have additional questions, please call our office or email us at shinedpt@esbci.org.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Margie Ware is the Regional SHINE Coordinator at Elder Services and the Regional Family Caregiver Coordinator for Western Massachusetts.