Friendly Visitor volunteers are concerned individuals who establish a friendly relationship with a lonely older person residing in a long-term care facility.
Volunteers are both male and female of all ages.
They come from a broad spectrum of the community and are
paired with older individuals by a selective matching process which considers the personalities and interests
of the two individuals involved.
- Attend preliminary training of three hours
- Visit an elderly person one to two hours per week
- Attend quarterly speakers bureau/training sessions to meet other volunteers, relate client experiences, and receive useful information on senior issues
- Submit monthly volunteer hours report
- Report suspected elder abuse
- Orientation and 3 hours of training covering the role of the friendly visitor, normal aging, listening and confidentiality, possible visiting activities, recognizing elder abuse and the spirituality of aging.
- Trained staff are available to answer questions and assist with concerns that may arise during the visits.
- Quarterly educational presentations.