Social Prescribing Visitation and Befriending

Description

ALONE’s Visitation Support & Befriending Service provides regular visits to an older person. We provide friendship, practical support and links to local activities and initiatives. For anyone who is over 60 and has limited social contact or feels particularly isolated and lonely.
The Role of the Support & Befriending Volunteer is to provide companionship by visiting or calling at least once a week. Provide small practical supports where necessary and appropriate.
An ALONE Support Coordinator will call to the older person’s home to carry out a full assessment. The Support & Befriending Service is explained in detail
When a suitable volunteer becomes available the older person and volunteer will be introduced by a member of ALONE staff. Once the older person and the volunteer are happy with the match they will arrange future visiting times between themselves. ALONE carries out regular check in-phone calls to ensure visits are going well. All volunteers receive training and are supported through a mentoring system.
ALONE staff and volunteers include social prescribing in everything they do to encourage the Older Person to take part in community events and social activities.

Aim of Initiative

To reduce loneliness and isolation in Older People.

Who is it aimed at

Anyone over the age of 60 years.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Comprehensive needs assessment of the Older Person.
2. Recruitment, training and vetting of volunteers.
3. Creating an appropriate match between the Older Person and the Volunteer

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Recruitment of suitable Volunteers
2. Aligning geographical area for suitable match
3. n/a

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. 30 successful visitation matches between ALONE Volunteers and Older People in the Carlow area.
2. Reduction in loneliness and isolation in the Carlow area for Older People.
3. n/a