Reassuring Phone Calls For Senior Citizens

DANBURY — Jewish Family Service is coordinating a Tele-Care Program for the greater Danbury region. This program offers regular telephone checks to isolated or home-bound seniors in the community. The program will serve older adults in need of a friendly voice and companionship. The program is non-sectarian service and is free of charge.

Tele-Care volunteers are asked to make phone calls either daily or weekly to a matched individual. The volunteer caller and elder are matched by the coordinator according to their similar geographic areas, common interests, or because of their similar backgrounds.

Volunteers of all ages are needed and will receive a one hour training session focusing on listening skills, reminiscence training and crisis intervention. The volunteer coordinator provides ongoing monitoring and support to see how the process is developing. Volunteers agree to a 6 month commitment. Call JFS for an appointment Tele-Care callers offer an opportunity to make a significant difference in the life of an individual in isolation by making a small commitment of time and energy.

For more information, contact Rosalind Kopfstein at Jewish Family Services, at 794-1818. Senior citizens who would like to receive calls through Tele-Care are also invited to contact JFS.