TRAIL of Johnson County plans gradual return of in-person events

IOWA CITY — As TRAIL of Johnson County begins its fifth year of operation, TRAIL’s Executive Director, Bob Untiedt, says the organization will gradually return to hosting small, in-person events again, as long as members feel comfortable with limited gatherings. Volunteer services, such as transportation to medical appointments, will continue with COVID protections in place. And the small kindnesses initiated during the pandemic are likely to continue amidst efforts to recruit new members and volunteers.

“COVID has heightened the desire among many older adults to remain in their own homes as they age,” Untiedt said. “TRAIL has more than 200 active members today, but we know there is great demand for at-home services here in Johnson County. We’re ready and eager to expand TRAIL.” He also notes growing interest in TRAIL’s subsidized membership program for low-income adults.

In the early months of the pandemic, Iowa’s older adult population drew much of the state’s attention and concern.

COVID-19 hit hardest among Iowans age 65 and older, and the disease spread quickly in many nursing homes and other group facilities, with heartbreaking results for residents, staff and their families. Thankfully, those outbreaks have all but disappeared, and infection rates among older adults have dropped as COVID vaccines become more widespread.

But what about older adults living independently at home, many of whom live alone? How were they able to cope with the anxiety, social isolation, lack of access to services and other COVID-related challenges?

Many older adults found a “COVID lifeline” in TRAIL of Johnson County, the aging-in-place nonprofit that has allowed its members to stay safely connected and hopeful in the depths of the pandemic.

TRAIL, (“Tools and Resources for Active Independent Living”) responded to its members’ needs and COVID’s challenges in various ways, from a mask-making and delivery partnership, to “buddy calls” and no-contact food deliveries. Along the way, Untiedt said staff and volunteers gained insights they will apply in the post-COVID environment.

“During these stressful and often lonely times, even small things we have done have had meaningful impact,” Untiedt said. “For TRAIL members who requested a regular phone call from a volunteer, for example, that call became the highlight of their day. Moving our social and educational events online, and adding weekly TRAIL emails with cheerful stories and videos, all gave folks something to look forward to.

“AARP estimates that 90 percent of older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as they age,” Untiedt said. “It’s often the safest, most economical and most convenient solution for older adults and their families. As Johnson County’s population of adults age 65 and better continues to grow, TRAIL will be here to help them stay healthy, active and independent.”

About TRAIL of Johnson County

TRAIL of Johnson County is a membership-based nonprofit organization that helps older adults live more safely and comfortably in the places they call home. By providing members access to volunteer services, prescreened service providers and a full calendar of social and educational events, TRAIL fosters an engaged and supportive community of individuals dedicated to living more fully and independently as they age. For more information, visit www.trailofjohnsoncounty.org.