How we work
Referrals of older people living alone come from a variety of sources, such as doctors and other health professionals, families, friends and home care workers.
We have a team of coordinators who induct all new Home Visiting Volunteers and take great care when matching volunteers with their new older ‘friends’. Ideally, two volunteers are matched with each older friend to ensure the continuity of visits.
As a minimum, volunteers need to commit to a regular weekly visit to their older friend of approximately two hours. It can be more than one visit a week. This depends on the connection that develops between individual volunteers and their older friends.
Volunteers maintain a comprehensive log book.. Log book data is collated and analysed to provide an evaluation of how Local Friends is progressing. Anecdotal evidence from families, friends and care personnel is also a valuable resource giving us a better understanding of the individual needs of our older friends.
All volunteers must be over the age of 18 and have Police Clearance Certificates. They are fully covered within stated parameters by public liability insurance.