In Verona, citizen volunteers take care of lonely elderly people.

Giorgio, 35, an office worker and lover of reading and city walks, decided to sign up as a volunteer because he wanted to "give back" some time to others and combat loneliness among older people. After an interview with social services and a training course, he was matched with Mrs. CarlaGiorgio, 82, a widow with limited mobility and very little contact with friends and family. The pairing was designed taking into account Giorgio's passion for reading, which he could share with Carla; Giorgio's availability two afternoons a week; and the geographic proximity between his and Carla's homes. At first, the meetings were brief: Giorgio accompanied her to the nearby park, read her short stories, and chatted with her about the city's old stories. Carla was initially shy and reserved, but gradually opened up, recounting stories from her youth and showing enthusiasm for going for walks.

The meeting between Giorgio and Carla is one of many within the project Elderly Care of the Municipality of Verona, a social volunteer initiative designed to combat loneliness and isolation among self-sufficient or partially frail elderly people. The idea is to create a close relationship between an elderly person ("resident") and a citizen volunteer ("foster").

How it works

1. 1. Reporting the need
      • Isolation can be reported by the elderly person themselves, by family members, or by social services.
   2. Selection of volunteers
      • Adults residing in the Verona area who are available to dedicate at least two hours a week can apply to be foster carers. Volunteers applying to care for the elderly must also participate in a training Organized by the Municipality or partner organization, which teaches how to interact safely and respect the needs of the elderly.
   3. Match
      • After interviews and assessments of the senior's needs and the volunteer's characteristics, the most suitable match is identified. From the senior's perspective, the assessment takes into account their level of independence, health, family network, interests, daily habits, and specific challenges. From the volunteer's perspective, however, time availability, interpersonal skills, personal interests, previous experience, and motivations are key.
      • 4. Startup and monitoring

      The relationship is followed by social services and by a figure called Silver Manager, which accompanies and monitors the path.

The volunteer foster carer must not provide medical or professional assistance. Activities may include:

• keep company and converse;
• accompany the elderly person on errands or walks;
• share activities and interests;
• offer relational support in daily life.

Read also:

• Cohousing for seniors: where they are and what advantages they offer
• Websites to find caregivers, babysitters, and housekeepers