The Friendly Visitor Program was established early in 2006 to help isolated and vulnerable seniors in the community establish a supportive connection to enhance the quality of their lives through friendly visits and introduction to other community supports.  Friendly visitors are seniors, and others, who are orientated in providing social and emotional support and leadership as well as knowing the existing programs and services available to more disadvantaged and vulnerable seniors in the community.  The program fosters longer term, healthy independence of seniors.

 

Approximately 29 persons came together on the 24th of November, 2008 to celebrate the Christmas Season and to enjoy the company of one another.  Approximately 25 of those present were Friendly Visitors.  It was a good time for them and for me to get to know these special people who give of their time and their gifts for the good of another through the Friendly Visitor Program.

We had a time of introduction, sharing and getting to know one another.  It was a very good time.  As this was my first opportunity to meet the Friendly Visitors in a group environment, it was so appreciated.

 We talked of future meetings and perhaps topics for discussion, drank punch and ate Christmas treats.  Evelyn Blaine, the volunteer co-ordinator for the Friendly Visitor Program, ably assisted in all aspects of the afternoon.  Evelyn and myself will be holding future meetings every second month with a view of providing educational and supportive attention to each of our Friendly Visitors.   I would like to extend my thanks to all who participated and made the afternoon an enjoyable and informative event.

Pam Jackson,
Program Manager,

REFERRAL FORM:  FRIENDLY VISITOR PROGRAM

DATE OF REFFERRAL:  _______________________________________

CLIENTS NAME:  ____________________________________________

ADDRESS:  _________________________________________________

PHONE:  ___________________________________________________

IS CLIENT AWARE OF THIS REFERRAL?  YES ____    NO _____

Does Client smoke?  YES ____   NO _____

REFERRED BY:

Name: ______________________  Phone Number: _____________________

E-Mail: ______________________________

Name of Agency If Applicable _______________________________________

Does the clinet know about his/her referral?  Yes ______    No  _______

WHAT HAVE YOU NOTICED OR HEARD WHICH MAKES YOU BELIEVE THAT THE SENIOR COULD BENEFIT FROM THE FRIENDLY VISITOR PROGRAM? (use a seperate page if required)

AREAS OF CONCERN: (circle all that apply)

LIFESTYLE CHANGE                      GRIEF                    ALCOHOL/DRUG USE

RELATIONSHIP ISSUES                  ILLNESS                 SOCIAL ISOLATION

Interests:  ______________________________________________________

Note to referral agent:

You will be advised when a volunteer is assigned to your client.

________________________________________________________________

For office Use Only:

Assigned to: __________________________  Date: _____________________

Referring Agent Notified:  ____________________________

File Closed: Date: ____________Referring Agent Notified _________________

Reason for Closing: ________________________________________________

The Adopt-A-Grandparent Program encourages volunteer families from the community to reach out to the elderly.  This program impacts the stereotype of the elderly by reducing their isolation and helping to integrate them into the community.  The “grandparent” is encouraged to participate in family activities such as reading to children, going for walks, playing games, arts and craft projects and special occasions. It enriches the life of the senior as well as the family, particularly the children who may not have an opportunity to engage with and learn from older citizens.

The Friendly Visitor Program is FREE and is funded by

Vancouver Foundation 2007, New Horizons for Seniors 2006, Bank of Montreal 2006, Imperial Tobacco Foundation 2007 & 2008, Interior Health 2007, 2008, Hamber Foundation 2008, Phyllis and Irving Snider Foundation, 2007