Older adults are particularly hard hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing measures designed to keep them safe also put older adults at high risk to be socially isolated. They may also experience loneliness if they live alone or apart from loved ones.
Recently launched by the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA), the Telephone Visit program aims to connect seniors with friendly volunteers to chat over the phone. Working with several community based organizations, SCOA will be a central intake agency to refer seniors to participating organizations and match them with a volunteer caller.
Callers may connect with seniors once to twice a week to see how they are doing and to keep in touch. Calls be be short or long depending on the conversation. Topics can be anything from family to gardening.
“The Saskatoon Council on Aging can provide older adults with information referrals and support,” said SCOA Executive Director June Gawdun. “Our website has an extensive list of COVID-19 resources. Information will be provided over the phone if seniors do not have internet access. If an older adult experiencing isolation, SCOA can connect them with friendly volunteers that would be a telephone buddy.”
The goal of the program is to reduce social isolation that is a high health risk for older adults. The opportunity to talk over the phone with a friendly caller lets seniors know they are not alone and that someone is there to look out for them.
Seniors can register for the Telephone Visit program by calling SCOA 306-652-2255. For COVID-19 resources for seniors, visit scoa.ca.