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.
Volunteer Marianne Blume visits a patient.
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
