The Telephone Reassurance Program
The Telephone Reassurance Program is the core component of our Older Adult Program. We connect trained volunteers with the homebound elderly, fostering relationships and working to prevent loneliness and the effects of social isolation through weekly phone calls. Volunteers play a vital role for our clients’ social workers as well, as they become advocates and another voice for their clients’ concerns and health needs.
Personalized phone calls from trained volunteers
Calls once to twice per week, Monday-Friday
Receive updates about social services in your community
Community events and luncheons for volunteers and clients
Learn about our services
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Volunteers make personalized weekday calls to older adults who are homebound, providing social contact while also listening for signals indicating the need for additional support.
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Absolutely. We provide a detailed training for all volunteers before they begin, as well as regular support and check ins during their time volunteering with us.
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Please review our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn more and sign up. Volunteer Opportunities
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This volunteer opportunity is now offered as a remote chance to give back. During the pandemic, our volunteers shifted from in person to remote, and began making their daily calls from home.
We have began bringing volunteers back on site, but will continue to offer this opportunity remotely.
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Yes, we do take referrals. We currently work with agencies like JASA, Hebrew Home, RSS, and Hudson Guild.
Please see our Client Benefits section below for more information.
Client Benefits
Families are happy to know that we are checking in on their loved ones and for many of our clients, our calls are the only contact they receive on a given day.
Our program can save valuable resources, as a three to five minute phone call can inform the support network if further care is needed, avoiding unnecessary and expensive home visits.
This program helps older adults remain at home and avoid a nursing home or institutional placement before it is absolutely necessary.
In order to become a client — Complete the form linked above and email it to nalberts@riverdaleonline.org
You may also drop it off at the Riverdale Neighborhood House, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) between 9am and 5pm
Have any questions about our Telephone Reassurance Program?
Contact nalberts@riverdaleonline.org