Volunteering is a powerful tool for building community engagement and reducing social isolation and loneliness. It’s associated with improvements in social connections, mental health and overall life satisfaction.1 For our Long-Term Care members, volunteering can also create a path to skill-building and empowerment. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona’s Member Empowerment team, known as the me* team, helps members explore those opportunities.
Our volunteering program connects members with volunteer activities in their communities and brings members and their Case Managers together to participate. Case Managers begin by learning about each member’s interests, abilities and goals to help identify activities with meaningful impact. They then coordinate with local organizations in need of volunteers and help navigate barriers like transportation or modifying activities to fit a member’s abilities.
Activities shaped around members
- The me* program has connected members with a range of hands-on activities. Activities have included:
- Members from a behavioral health group home volunteering at a thrift store that helps teachers and students in Tempe obtain school supplies
- Residents at an Assisted Living Facility crafted over 100 pet toys that were delivered to local shelters
- Residents at a memory care facility worked with a Case Manager and facility staff to create an on-site garden to kick off the spring season.
- Members from a behavioral health day program and Case Managers came together to hand-pack over 100 boxes of food for children in need
Each event allows members to make a positive impact in their local community. Through these experiences, members are empowered to build relationships and try out new skills.
