By Parker McKenzie
Elderly people are often at risk of becoming isolated and lonely, and one organisation is trying to connect those needing social interaction with people happy to help.
In Great Company’s free volunteer program connects seniors who are lonely or at risk of being socially isolated with a volunteer visitor, where the pair will meet regularly.
Volunteer Coordinator Timmity Murray said the issue has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“A lot of people don’t don’t realise how lonely people can actually be,” she said.
“There’s a growing need for this social service in the regional Victoria for older people, so there is additional funding going into social programmes like our programme.
Recently, the program connected a volunteer with an elderly man living in The Patch, after a social worker referred the man to the In Great Company.
Ms Murray said the “lovely gentleman” was referred to the organisation because he doesn’t have family or friends to visit him.
“I’ve spoken to him a few times and he’s excited to have a friendly visit, he felt like the isolation and loneliness left him without any company,” she said.
“I actually have had a really successful applicant, so I am going to be connected connecting him with a friendly visitor very soon.”
In Great Company is funded and administered by the Department of Health and Aged Care under the community visitors scheme. It is a complimentary service available to Home Care package recipients and people residing in government-subsidized residential aged care facilities who are experiencing social isolation.
Ms Murray said anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be a volunteer, which is a rewarding role.
“It gives a great self-worth and builds confidence, someone who may have become a volunteer by isn’t as confident or feels socially uncomfortable, we see it grow confidence in those people,” she said.
“The volunteer and the other person build a connection and they both look forward to each visit.”
Volunteers are asked to commit to six months of weekly or fortnightly visits to the elderly person.
Ms Murray said people who can’t volunteer could help by spreading the word about the services In Great Company offers.
“If you identify someone who’s lonely in the community, you can jump on our website or call us to refer someone,” she said.
“If you know someone who is on a home care package or waitlisted for a home care package but lives at home and is feeling isolated, reach out to us.”
For more information, visit ingreatcompany.com.au
