Volunteers needed to make ‘Compassionate Calls’ to seniors

A simple phone call can make a big difference in a lonely senior’s life.

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A new program being offered by the Adult Recreation Therapy Center is connecting volunteer callers with those who are living alone, are homebound, or residents of retirement or assisted living settings.

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“With COVID-19 on the rise and the winter months ahead, the difficulty to connect with others in the community, especially for vulnerable individuals, will increase,” said Sarah Butterworth, organizer of the Compassionate Community Care Calls program.

Butterworth said research has shown that social isolation can cause adverse health consequences ranging from sleeplessness to reduced immune function. Loneliness is associated with higher anxiety, depression and suicide rates.

Client Audrey Harris looks forward to chatting with her volunteer caller once a week.

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“It’s a great service for seniors who may be alone, have a small network, and to know someone else out there cares about them,” Harris said. “The volunteer is lovely to talk to.”

The Adult Recreation Therapy Centre, a non-profit community support service, offers a variety of programs for those with compromised health. With funding provided through the federal government’s Community Services Recovery Fund, which supports charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt to pandemic recovery, the center launched Compassionate Community Care Calls last month.

The free service is available to those 50 and older living in Brantford and the County of Brant.

Volunteers, who are screened for suitability and similar interests, call participants once a week and just chat.

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“They can talk about anything,” Butterworth said. “It might just be a friendly conversation, or it might be about some problems a senior is having.”

Monica Maille of Brantford is helping recruit program volunteers and match them with clients. She is also making calls to clients.

“We talk about all kinds of things,” she said. “One person’s internet wasn’t working and they were frustrated, so we gave them some options to fix it. Sometimes we’re someone they can complain to. Sometimes, we’ll talk about what they did over the past week. We try to let them steer the conversation to something they want to talk about.”

The program also offers some peace of mind to participants’ family members concerned about their loved ones living alone. Volunteers can provide participants with information about other support services in the community and follow up if seniors unexpectedly miss their weekly call.

With about 20 participants waiting to be partnered, Butterworth said there is a real need for volunteer callers.

“There is so much isolation these days,” said Maille. “The need to connect with others is something we’re born with. It’s especially important as we get close to Christmas and other vulnerable times.”

Those interested in volunteering or in receiving calls can contact the program’s staff at 519-753-1882 or email [email protected]

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