Member Benefits

SAIL members serve as “good neighbors” to each other, and enjoy diverse opportunities for engagement in educational, social and volunteer activities. While doing so, they also have the satisfaction of helping other members age in place. 

Volunteers provide services for members in need. For example, you might request transportation to a doctor’s appointment, a “buddy” to help you with pre- and post-surgery planning, a loan of durable medical equipment, or help using your computer. For more examples and details see our webpage Request Help. 

Volunteer opportunities enable you to give back to your SAIL community. Many volunteers participate in direct care of members (see above), while others plan events, assist with office tasks, or serve on committees or the board of directors. For more examples see our webpage Volunteering for SAIL. 

SAIL members plan, carry out and participate in many kinds of group activities, including educational, cultural, and health focused. For a list of current recurring activities see our webpage Activities; or see our website Calendar for a complete list of upcoming events. 

It can be challenging to know who to call for those needed household fix-ups, lawn care, personal care, etc. Members have access to lists of vendors recommended by fellow SAILers. 

Educational programming and resources help you prepare for, and successfully navigate, the realities of the aging process. Examples include presentations on Emergency Medical Services and Hospice of the Eastern Panhandle’s Palliative Care program. Members are kept informed about relevant current issues and authoritative resources, including through our extensive website and Web Resources collection.  

Members receive quarterly SAIL Newsletters. They can also be part of an email list for SAILers to communicate with each other, for example, to share information about upcoming events or ask for recommendations on service providers. The membership directory provides contact information for direct member-to-member communication.

SAIL advocates for community improvements, especially on issues of concern to older adults, through leadership of the Age Friendly Shepherdstown Committee and in intergenerational engagement with Shepherd University students. SAIL collaborates with area institutions on initiatives of mutual interest, through Community Partnerships, and keeps members abreast of local initiatives and activities.

While our volunteers are not trained to do home health care, SAIL offers many volunteer services to assist members to stay in their homes. Member participation in our activities can reduce the effects of social isolation and keep our minds engaged. All of these factors can help delay the need for moves to assisted living facilities, saving money by doing so.   

In times of need, SAIL support can lighten the load for a member's family, providing volunteer assistance and information as needed.