Why are Companion Volunteers in Long-Term Care So Important?

Companion volunteers in long-term care communities are more than just a helping hand—they are vital lifelines who bring connection and comfort to residents facing loneliness. These volunteers aren't simply visitors; they embody the essence of human connection, restoring dignity, self-worth, and hope just by being there. We know that approximately 50% of the 1.5 Million people living in U.S. nursing homes do not get visitors. They die not from old age, but from a broken heart. One older woman said,

"My body may be broken, but my heart still works."

Older woman

When asked how her experience was going adjusting to her new home she said:

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

This powerful statement is at the heart of the "Someone Just for Me" campaign. It’s not just about being surrounded by people; it’s about having someone who is truly there for you, someone who listens, cares, and shares in your life. Companion volunteers are the ones who fulfill that deeply human need for personal connection - connections that we all need.

For 92-year-old Clarence, the need for companionship touches something even deeper:

"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

Clarence’s words remind us that the need for love, connection, and companionship remains throughout life, regardless of age.

Older man smiling

That’s where you come in.

By supporting the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers (NALTCV), you help fight the loneliness felt by so many in these communities. Through the "Someone Just for Me" campaign and our slogan "One Hour, One Visit, One Heart" your generosity ensures that every person in long-term care has someone who is truly there for them. Just one hour of a volunteer’s time can be a lifeline to someone who desperately needs it.

With your help, we can ensure that no one is left feeling alone. Together, we can be their lifeline—one hour, one visit, one heart at a time.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Warm regards,

Paul P. Falkowski, Ph.D. President/Founder

The National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers is a 501(c)3 organization, EIN: 88-3915278

Your gift is tax-deductible.

Someone Just for Me - Giving Tuesday 2024

By National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers

Someone Just for Me - Giving Tuesday 2024

One Hour, One Visit, One Heart