Visit-A-Bit Visiting Volunteer

The Visit-A-Bit Program (VAB) addresses older adult loneliness in Greater St. Louis (St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County). The program pairs volunteers with older adult participants based on location, hobbies, interests, and socialization needs.

The VAB Program needs in-person Visiting Volunteers to provide companionship to an older adult participant in our Visit-A-Bit Program who may be experiencing loneliness. This volunteer position offers an outlet for conversation, bonding, rapport building, and active listening skills every week. We understand something may come up and you can't visit in-person, we ask that you replace the visit with a phone call if possible.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Coordinate a weekly visit with your assigned participant. Visits typically last for 1-2 hours.
• Become a companion to your participant.
• Must be respectful, gentle, kind, and non-judgmental.
• Complete and submit a simple online contact report after your visit or phone calls.
• Help identify the resources your participant needs and communicate them on your contact report.
• Contact the VAB Manager with questions or concerns regarding your participant or pairing.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to speak slowly & clearly if needed when communicating with your participant.
• Must have reliable transportation to make the visits.
• No previous experience required.
• You should exhibit patience and provide your senior with a peaceful and meaningful experience.
• Volunteers should genuinely want to be involved and want to be helpful.
• Due to the nature of working with human emotions, we ask for a commitment of at least 12 months as a volunteer.
• No physical abilities or qualifications are required to be a volunteer.

Environment:

• Volunteering will occur at your participant's residence or in the community.