PICKENS COUNTY — According to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated due to the increased likelihood of facing factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss.
Interim HealthCare is looking to expand its volunteer program across the Upstate and Midlands to help patients combat loneliness and isolation as the holiday season approaches. The social isolation required during the pandemic has also exacerbated these feelings for much of the population.
“Volunteers are an essential part of our organization, but they are especially important during the busy holiday season when many of our patients begin to feel more sad or lonely,” said Stephen Scoggins, Volunteer Manager for Interim HealthCare. “Not only is volunteering a gratifying experience, but it also means so much to our patients who may not receive much social interaction outside of their family or caregivers. We’re hoping to add new faces to our volunteer team so we can provide this rewarding service to additional patients in the Upstate and Midlands.”
There are several ways to volunteer with Interim HealthCare including companionship, administrative support, bereavement and grief support, and a veteran-to-veteran program. Companionship is the most popular option as volunteers can offer support to patients in a variety of ways such as reading a book, watching TV or sports, doing a puzzle, or scrapbooking together. The time spent in homes also provides relief to the caregiver or family of the patient and allows them to take necessary breaks.
Veteran volunteers have the opportunity to participate with Interim HealthCare’s “We Honor Veterans” (WHV) program that begins upon a veteran’s hospice election and continues with the family throughout their care journey. Veteran volunteers are matched with a veteran patient to offer support and companionship for the duration of their care from someone who has a special bond with them. Special program initiatives for the patient also include a veteran pinning ceremony, a quilt of valor, and a veteran memorial flag.
“Our volunteer program has grown tremendously in the last year, and a major component of that has been because of our veteran volunteers,” said Scoggins. “The connection between our veteran volunteers and veteran patients is really special because there is a unique bond between them that not everyone can relate to. Watching them swap stories of service and be a friend to each other is meaningful for both patient and volunteer, as well as the patient’s family.”
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and participate in a short training program depending on which volunteer opportunity they choose. Those interested in volunteering should contact Stephen Scoggins at Stephen.scoggins@interimcares.com.