Senior Support Services - Friendly Visitors

Senior Support Services - Friendly Visitor

Senior Support Services assists Seniors to maintain or increase their independence so they may remain living in their own home. We will inform you of various programs that are available to assist seniors and if needed will link you to these services. We have several volunteer programs that provide socialization and will support you in achieving a more independent and satisfying lifestyle.

FRIENDLY VISITORS

A volunteer visitor will visit you weekly in your own home. On the first visit, the Coordinator of Volunteers will introduce you to your new friend who has been chosen especially for you. From this point on you and the volunteer will arrange a mutually agreeable time for these visits. We do suggest that these visits be two hours each week.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

A warm caring person who gives the gift of time
Mutual friendship
Stimulating conversation
A person who is a good listener
Sharing a mutual interest or hobby
Someone to talk and walk with.

Every volunteer has been interviewed and screened by the coordinator of volunteers. None of our volunteers will be introduced into a private home without having been screened by the local R.C.M.P.

Every volunteer wants to provide each senior with an opportunity to socialize and enjoy visits from a caring friend. Our volunteers have a vast range of interests, ages, experiences, and come from many different countries. Most seniors, that have a friendly visitor, reduce their social isolation and show marked improvement in their quality of life and independence.

TELEPHONE TREE

A group of dedicated, caring volunteers make weekly telephone calls to you. These are social calls and should in no way be regarded as a substitute for any of the Quick Response programs. The calls are made Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. If we can't contact you after three "no answers", the call will be referred to a staff person who will contact your emergency contact person. If you have any special concerns you can ask the volunteer caller to contact Senior Support Services staff, who will make a return call to you and discuss your concerns.

Because we do care:

We call to have a cheerful conversation;
We respect if you are busy;
We, the volunteers enjoy the calls as you hopefully do.

In the event of a vacation please call the office to hold your telephone tree calls so we avoid contacting your emergency contact.

For further information on Senior Support please call: 604-531-9400.

PEER SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS

Men and women Senior Peer Support Volunteers are always welcomed. If you are interested in becoming a Senior Peer Support volunteer, please call us. 604-531-9400

TOGETHER WE CARE

Any donation to Senior Support Services is greatly appreciated and is fully eligible for an income tax donation.

We are presently fundraising for the Come Share Senior Support Centre for more information please follow the link.

AGENCIES INVOLVED

The following agencies support this collaborative program and are involved in its direction:

Fraser Health Authority
Come Share Society
Peace Arch Seniors Planning Committee
The Senior Support Services Advisory Committee
White Rock Seniors Activity Centre
North Surrey Mental Health Geriatric Program
Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture (Newton, Cloverdale and Sunrise Sr. Centres)
Sr. Counsellors
United Way of Lower Mainland

Other agencies and services will be involved during the program.

Email: adminsss@seniorsupportservices.bc.ca

Address:

Senior Support Services
15008 26th Avenue
Surrey, BC V4P 3H5

Phone: 604-531-9400

Fax: 604-531-9498

This page last updated August 6, 2008 April 2006

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