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Many older people experience feelings of loneliness and isolation as a result of separation from friends and family, the loss of a loved one, poor health or a recent move and it is often difficult to meet new friends or re-establish contact with old ones. Friendly visiting reaches out to these individuals with companionship and support. Volunteers visit on a regular basis to share an activity or have a friendly chat. Once it is determined that a senior can benefit from the service, your Resource Council Coordinator will recruit and match a suitable volunteer. An introductory meeting will be arranged and both parties will decide upon future contacts.

What do Friendly Visitors Do?
Friendly Visitors provide supportive friendship to lonely or shut-in seniors through regular visits or phone calls. Typical activities include conversation, reminiscing, reading aloud, sharing a hobby, playing board/card games and outings. Friendly Visitors must respect the confidentiality of the client and report any concerns regarding the client to the Resource Coordinator. Assisting with household chores, daily living activities and provision of escort service/transportation are beyond the scope of friendly visiting.

What skills do I need to become a Friendly Visitor?
Friendly Visitors must be good listeners, have a friendly, non-judgmental attitude and have the ability to communicate with others on a one to one basis.

How are matches made?
The Grandview & District Community Resource Council responds to calls from seniors, families, other agencies and the community at large. Once it is determined that a senior can benefit from the service, a suitable volunteer is recruited and a match is made. Factors considered when making a match include common interests and previous work experiences, compatibility, personal preferences and social and ethnic backgrounds, Once a match is made, a meeting is arranged between the volunteer and the senior. Both parties decide upon the future contacts. The Community Resource Council office will contact volunteers and seniors to ensure that everything is going smoothly.

What happens if matches do not work out? When this happens, both the volunteer and the senior may choose to be re-matched.

Tips for Friendly Visitors:
Accept the person where he/she is at right now. Don’t express any judgments.

  • Be an active listener. Show you are interested.
  • Don’t be nosey but do ask questions. People love to talk about themselves.
  • Make the person being visited your first priority. Don’t be hurried.
  • Share some of your experiences when the person is ready to hear about someone else.
  • Don’t be afraid to offer a different opinion. Your honesty will be tested.
  • Remind the person that you volunteer your time because you care and enjoy their company.
  • Establish trust by respecting confidence and not discussing their situation with other people.

Becoming a Friendly Visitor
When you volunteer, you put your skills and experience to good use and give back to society. By giving as little as one hour per week of your time, you can expand your personal network and feel good about helping to brighten someone’s day.