People in Greater Manchester are being urged to volunteer a few hours of their time to help reduce loneliness among older hospital patients whose family and friends are unable to visit them regularly.
The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) is appealing for volunteers in the Rochdale, Oldham and North Manchester areas to befriend older people on hospital wards to provide companionship and ease the boredom of long spells without visitors.
Some older people suffering from long-term illnesses such as dementia, have family who live far away or friends who can only visit during the evening or at weekends. Volunteers play a vital role in filling this gap by keeping patients’ company and helping to keep their minds active by reading, talking and playing games.
The charity is also keen to hear from people willing to be a ‘Good Neighbour’ to help older people after they are discharged from hospital as they can be especially frail and vulnerable during this time.
Claire Yates, operations manager for the Royal Voluntary Service in Manchester, said: “Our volunteers play an important role in providing company to older people in hospital and when they return home in helping them get back on their feet. It is particularly important that older people are supported to manage health conditions and stay independent after being discharged from hospital to prevent readmission.”
“We work hard to help older people live the life they want, to be independent and active and to ensure that no older person is left struggling on their own. We couldn’t do this without the help of our volunteers who are vital to our work. However demand for our services is growing and we are really keen to hear from more people willing to volunteer their time. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, men or women, young or older and by giving a few hours of their time, they can really transform someone’s life.”
Help provided by Good Neighbour volunteers may include providing regular, friendly social contact; carrying out safe, warm and well checks; practical help such as occasional care of pets, prescription collections and support with accessing local activities.
On Ward volunteers support older people through engagement in conversation, communication and practical support. This may also involve liaising with nursing staff regarding practical support required when the older person returns home.
Home from Hospital volunteers transport patients home after a hospital stay and settle them back in to their home environment.
The organisation is also appealing for volunteers in the Trafford area to help transport patients with balance, muscle weakness problems and often a history of falls to a programme of exercise and advice in their local community.
Skills required by volunteers include good communication skills such as listening and questioning; good time management; non-judgemental and knowledge of confidentiality requirements. Driving roles require the use of your own car and a full, clean driving licence. Training is provided by the Royal Voluntary Service and travelling expenses are paid.
The projects receive funding from Public Health, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and Pennine Acute Trust.
For further information and to find out more about becoming a volunteer contact 0161 871 2011 or email: [email protected]