Volunteers in our Living Room – Community Visitors Scheme program are often matched with an elderly person experiencing loneliness, who very rarely receive visitors or have anyone to check in on them. Over the course of a year (or more!) our volunteers gradually build relationships with isolated older people. Their visits can have a significant impact on the well-being of their elderly friend—often brightening up their days, as Helen recounts:
“For several years, I have met with my elderly friend on Zoom. Even with memory problems, she is always happy to chat and speaks with staff about our conversations afterwards. It is most gratifying that our regular chats have assisted her in adapting to her new lifestyle in aged care. In December, I was able to visit this lovely lady in-home and wish her well for the new year with flowers—which she loved. As a small-time commitment, it is so fulfilling to be able to make another person’s journey easier, bring cheer to their day or fill a relational gap.”
If you would like to bring joy to an older person experiencing loneliness, apply to volunteer here.
