Why are “companion” volunteers in long-term care so important?

When asked how she was doing in her new home, she said this:

“I have a lot of people around me, nurses, aides, but there is no one here just for me.”

What do you think she meant by “…there is no one here just for me?

While there may be a lot of activity in a long-term care community, feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness persist. Why?

Everyone needs someone that we can confide in, share our deepest thoughts, likes and fears. As one older man observed:

“To be human is to be loved and to have someone to love and as far as I can tell, I am still human.” Clarence, 92 years of age

And that's where we come in...

“Companion” volunteers, recruited, screened and trained can be that “someone” for them. Feelings of disconnectedness, loneliness and isolation are painful and lead to people just giving up. People die prematurely.

In fact, research shows they are twice as likely to die in the same period as those that have regular contact with friends and family. But many of the people do not have friends or family to visit them. That’s where you the “Companion” volunteer comes into play.

Supporting the NALTCV means that people living in long-term care communities will not have to suffer loneliness or feeling disconnected.

And that's where you come in...

Your support will allow us to create first rate recruiting and training programs for the 15,000 long-term care communities in the United States.

Please be generous...

Someone Just for Me...

By National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers

Someone Just for Me...