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North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services

   

Resident Connections
Volunteer Visitation Program
2008

Several studies have found that older adults, particularly in long term care facilities are disproportionately susceptible to loneliness (Tomaka, Thompson & Palacios, 2006; Koepke, 2006; Lampinen, Heikkinen, Kauppinen & Heikkinen, 2006; Walker, 2005; Mosher-Ashley & Lemay, 2001). Furthermore, loneliness among older adults is said to affect not only psychological well-being, but physical health and susceptibility to mortality and morbidity as well. Social support is often invaluable to older adults living in long term care facilities.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services implemented the Resident Connections Program to train volunteers to visit one-on-one with residents in long term care facilities who receive few, if any visitors.

Goal

To enhance the quality of life and decrease loneliness for North Carolina’s long term care residents.

Role of the Volunteer

  • Committed to visiting a person in a long term care facility regularly
  • Compassionate and trustworthy
  • At least 18 years old
  • Have transportation
  • Consent to a criminal background check

Training Required

  • Attend a two-hour training provided by Division of Aging and Adult Services or their Resident Connections representative
  • Participate in a facility orientation for volunteers

What Does a Volunteer Do During Visits?

Testimonies from Residents in a long term care facility:

    "My companion and I participate in various activities together such as reading, storytelling, quilting and completing a lap robe."

    "I greatly enjoy my companion who reads to me and helps me write letters to my family."

Who to Contact to Become a Resident Connections Volunteer Today!

If you are interested in becoming a Resident Connections volunteer, please contact Denise Rogers, Long Term Care Ombudsman/Elder Rights Specialist, at Denise.Rogers@dhhs.nc.gov or by telephone at (919) 733-8395.

 

Last updated: December 17, 2008

  

 

 

LTC Ombudsman Program