Got an hour? The Pennyrile Area Development District (PADD) is asking because they are looking for volunteers to work as friendly visitors to senior citizens in the region who live in assisted living.
The “Got an Hour?” program was developed by the Aging Network Volunteer Collaborative and serves to provide companionship to seniors in assisted living who may not have any family living in the area.
PADD Long Term Care Ombudsman, Cindy Tabor says across the nation around 60% of residence in senior living facilities do not have regular visitors. In the Pennyrile region, Tabor says she wants to lessen that gap by recruiting friendly visitors.
For an hour a week, Tabor says friendly visitors can spend time with residents and invest time into their activities such a reading, group exercises, learning about their hobbies and more.
To be a friendly visitor, Tabor says those interested must complete training and undergo a background check. The volunteer position is open to anyone interested and does not require any prior experience.
Friendly visitor training will be on January 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the PADD office at 300 Hammond Drive. Those interested can RSVP for training by calling 270-886-9484.