Senior Support Services - Peer Support Program

Senior Support Services - Peer Support Program

PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM

The Peer Support Program is designed to support seniors who require short term assistance with Peer Support Volunteers . For example:

A senior just out of hospital needs a ride and someone to accompany them to a doctor's appointment;
A senior needs to move so a Peer Support Volunteer could assist the senior to go and look at places
A Peer Support Volunteer could assist a senior to get picture taken for a HandyPass and the application in.

To Access the Peer Support Program please call Senior Support Services (604-531-9400). A Case Worker will visit you in your own home. On the first visit, the Case Worker will assess your need for a Peer Support Volunteer.

A Peer Support Volunteer will assist you in accessing programs or services that you are unable to access on your own. We believe that seniors prefer to talk with mature persons who understand the unique challenges facing seniors.

Seemingly simple tasks such as filling out forms, making appointments, using handyDart, and getting to Health related services can be daunting for seniors without family or friend support.

Peer Support Volunteers will offer listening support and information that will enable seniors to help themselves.

Peer Support Volunteers are available to accompany you as an attendant to and from your health related appointments, assist in filling out forms, assist with reading and understanding your correspondence, and assist with shopping for special needs.

Peer Support Volunteers will help you deal with problems facing seniors living in the community.

Peer Support Volunteers have undergone intensive training and are provided with continual upgrading. The topics covered are:

Listening /communication
Helping client to access services
Senior independence issues
Problem management
Community services

Volunteers work closely with staff and provide each senior with an opportunity to make informed decisions based on individual needs.

Every volunteer has been screened by the coordinator of volunteers. Before being introduced into a private home, every volunteer is screened by the local R.C.M.P.

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

For further information on Senior Support please call: 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

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