Volunteers and elderly patients benefit from friendly visits
Volunteer Services at Putnam Hospital Center is looking for volunteers to provide a friendly visit to elderly patients. A hospital stay can be a stressful time for elderly patients. They may experience loneliness or sadness due to the loss of a loved one or the lack of family support in the area. The best way to relieve that stress is through support, companionship and caring.
Volunteers are needed for the friendly visitor program to bring some comfort to the elderly by reading to them, watching TV together, sharing a meal or sitting down to chat.
“Visiting can be a source of satisfaction, enjoyment and fun for the volunteer and the patient,” said Michelle Piazza, director of Volunteer Services. “Sharing their life experiences and histories with you can make a visit fly by, enriching your life and adding value to theirs.”
Both adult and junior volunteers are needed for the program. To become a friendly visitor and/or request visits for a family member, contact Piazza at 845-230-4752 and/or [email protected].
Photo courtesy of Marcela Rojas/Putnam Hospital Center