Community Care has been offering a visiting program for the 41 years that the agency has been in existence. Our brochure and web site identify this as the “friendly visiting” program. There are several services offered through the friendly visiting program. All are tailored to meet the needs of the client. After talking to one of our co-ordinators the client and volunteer are carefully matched so that their interests fit together and there is a good chance that a positive relationship will develop. These are the kinds of things that the volunteer and client might decide to do…

Visiting

The volunteer will visit a minimum of once each week to offer some social interaction. The volunteer and client may choose to play a game, go for a walk, share a hobby or simply engage in conversation.

Telephone contact

The volunteer can make weekly calls to check on the individual and share in some conversation. Community Care also offers a “telephone reassurance” program where a volunteer makes a daily five-minute phone call.

Errands

If the client is unable to, or finds it difficult to do their own personal shopping, etc. a volunteer may do these errands for them if desired. The details of how this is to be done will be worked out with the co-ordinator.

Out and about

If the client enjoys social excursions such as movies, leisurely drives or walks, sports and hobby events, meals; is somewhat isolated; has just moved to the area; or finds transportation a problem; they may be interested in this service. A volunteer with similar interests could escort the client to a social activity if desired. Volunteer visitors only drive clients if they have also been screened as a volunteer driver, which includes providing the agency with a driver’s abstract.

Community Care needs volunteers who are willing to visit seniors in their home, to contact seniors by phone on a regular basis, to run errands or to go with frail seniors to social events. We especially need volunteers from the Wellington, Picton and Ameliasburgh areas.

There are people in the community who require these services. It is through the caring assistance and support of community volunteers that many older adults can remain living in their own home in reasonable independence.

We need more volunteers to do this important work. If you think you might be interested please call our office and talk to a co-ordinator about the friendly visiting program.

If you have some time you can give to volunteering but you’re not sure whether visiting is an activity that is for you, call us anyway. We have many opportunities for volunteers, and if Community Care doesn’t have a spot for your special talents we can direct you to other volunteer-based organizations in our County. Call 613-476-7493 today.

We have seniors waiting for you!

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes