New Rancho Bernardo Senior Services director has several goals, wishes

Doubling the number of volunteers at Rancho Bernardo Senior Services is just one of its new director’s goals.

Tari Sarviel, the non-profit organization’s vice president and director, came on board in late April when there were 17 volunteers. Now there are 23 and she said doubling the number is “doable.”

Volunteer tasks include answering phones and helping those who call or stop by find information that can lead them to whomever can assist them with their issue. “If we don’t know, we’ll Google search,” Sarviel said.

Some volunteers have computer skills and others do not. Regardless of technological know-how, Sarviel said she can find a task for anyone, even if all they can donate is a few hours occasionally to stuff envelopes.

That is no light task as the group just prepared more than 4,100 letters, sent to those who utilized its services in the past. This is the second mailing of the year, which cost $2,100 to produce, but typically brings in $10,000 or more in contributions.

The contributions are necessary to keep RB Senior Services’ doors open since the non-profit founded in 1974 is solely funded by donations, bequests and grants.

Located in The Plaza at 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K-14, Sarviel said RB Senior Services is unlike other senior organizations in the area in that it only provides information and services, no activities. It also will try to help anyone, even if not yet a senior or a Rancho Bernardo resident.

The free services — available by appointment — include legal counseling, financial counseling/planning, veteran benefits counseling, Medicare and health insurance counseling, tax preparation and filing, notary services, pre-funeral planning, blood pressure testing, reassurance calls to check on seniors’ well-being and referrals to certified and/or licensed nurses and caregivers, drivers and handymen. In the fall it holds a flu shot clinic through Palomar Health.

There are also low-cost offerings. For example, AARP safe driving classes are $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. There is the two-day course plus a one-day refresher.

“The driving classes are very popular, helping reduce insurance costs and helping seniors remember the rules of the road so they can drive for as long as possible,” Sarviel said.

“There are so many seniors struggling to keep up with the pace of life and get by with figuring their medical (and other issues),” she said. “Life gets confusing and we’re here to help.”

She said many seniors request referrals for handymen, caregivers and drivers so they can continue living independently in their homes.

“We only refer those who are certified and licensed, who have gone through a background check,” she said.

Sarviel said her wish list also includes getting an audiologist to offer free hearing tests on site or off, and volunteer drivers since seniors’ limited incomes are a factor when they have to give up their car keys. She would also like a wheelchair so seniors with mobility issues can call upon arrival and a volunteer can wheel them up to the office, accessible by elevator.

She wants to get the word out about a free home renovation program for veterans. Through a Poway veterans group, volunteers provide labor and The Home Depot provides materials.

Another little-known program is the reassurance calls. Only 12 seniors are currently enrolled. Each day, a volunteer calls them and if they cannot be reached by day’s end, police are asked to perform a wellness check.

“One time they found a senior on the floor,” she said. “It’s a program to help them feel safe and secure.”

Sarviel and her husband, Steve, moved to Poway in 1987. The daughter of a naval officer, she grew up in San Diego’s University City neighborhood, where her parents still live. They recently came to help with the donation solicitation letter campaign.

For 20 years she has been a paralegal for Angelo Parise, a Rancho Bernardo attorney who is RB Senior Services’ president. When the director position became available due to Beth Wilson’s retirement, Sarviel said Parise recommended her for it.

For information about RB Senior Services, stop by the office on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., call 858-487-2640, send an email to rbsenserv@att.net or go to www.ranchobernardoseniorservices.com.