Home-bound seniors living alone and seniors living in long term care facilities have something in common ... loss of independence. Loss of independence and lack of access to friends and family can lead to loneliness and isolation. There are many seniors living among us who need a friend to bring some joy back into their lives. A regular friendly visitor makes a big difference in a lonely person's life.

The Friendship Corps is a team of compassionate and caring volunteers that visits seniors in their homes and in long term care facilities. A friendly visitor offers companionship, emotional support and information about community services when needed. A smiling, familiar face can turn someone's life around.

Leonard, 83, lives in an assisted living facility. His wife died two years ago and he misses her. His son moved Leonard to a facility near his home but rarely visits. His old friends live far away. Since moving into the assisted living facility, Leonard has been lonely and withdrawn.

But things are changing for Leonard. The facility administrator thought he was a good candidate for the Friendship Corps program. So now a friendly visitor from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Friendship Corps visits Leonard regularly. Leonard's spirits have lifted and he's participating in more facility activities.

Joe is Leonard's friendly visitor. Joe and Leonard play dominoes, reminisce, read the paper and talk about current events and occasionally share a meal together. Leonard looks forward to Joe's visits and proudly introduces him as his good friend, Joe. Joe says he gets as much out of his visits as Leonard does.

Connie, 72, is home-bound in the small house she has lived in for 30 years. A neighbor takes her to doctor appointments and shopping for necessities. Connie lives on a limited budget. She worries she'll run out of money and doesn't always make good choices about what she eats. Connie had no idea there are community services available to her. Janet helped Connie receive the services she needs, including Meals on Wheels.

Connie has two daughters who visit at Christmas. Not seeing her daughters more often has been a source of great sadness for Connie. Janet helps Connie scrapbook old photos and go through boxes of stored items to give away. They sometimes watch a special TV program or have tea and talk. Having a special friend has given Connie a new sense of personal value. Janet says her visits with Connie are a highlight of her week.

The Friendship Corps is looking for more volunteers to visit seniors in their homes as well as in long term care facilities. It only takes a few hours a month to make a huge difference in a lonely senior's life.

Volunteer training for Long Term Care visiting is scheduled for September. For information, contact Jan Noyes at the Area Agency on Aging, 667-3179 ext 227 or [email protected]. In-home training is planned for October. Please contact Dave Hoover, 667-3179 ext 234 or [email protected].