The Friendly Visitor Program

What is the Friendly Visitor Program?

The Friendly Visitor Program is designed to provide companionship to seniors who are isolated because they are homebound and have limited contacts with family or friends. Seniors have rich and varied interests and experiences to share. Friendships are made when spending time together.

Are you Seeking a Friendly Visitor?

Seniors who would like a visitor can self-refer. Referrals also come from caring family members or community people such as faith based friends, social workers, and neighbors. Seniors can also receive a visitor if they reside in a nursing home or other residential facility.

How can you Become a Friendly Visitor?

If you have compassion for older adults and a good listening ear, you can become a visitor. We ask for a commitment of 1 to 2 hours per week for at least 6 months. A volunteer form and CORI form will need to be completed and an interview held with the Outreach Coordinator so a match can be made according to preferences, interests, and skills. Activities include letter writing, reading aloud, playing cards/games, listening to music, going for a walk or perhaps even recording or writing a memoir! A sense of humor is always an asset!

There is also support for volunteers including bimonthly meetings to share experiences and information, speaker appearances to provide information and education that is relevant to seniors, as well as visits from community healthcare professionals.

"It's not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters." - Unknown

For more information, please contact Andrea Sidoruk, MSW/MPH at 508-430-7550 or asidoruk@harwich-ma.gov.