It is incredibly emotional that the initiative has been launched at the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office. In the United States, loneliness among older people is a major social concern. The state of Georgia has designed a community care program for seniors to combat this loneliness through a friendly phone call. From the Sheriff’s Office, volunteers will be able to make friendly calls to seniors, in order to give them conversation and get them out of their routine. A form of accompaniment that many of them appreciate and that does not require any effort.
Loneliness in the elderly
Loneliness in the elderly population is one of the outstanding accounts, not only in the US but all over the world. At retirement age, our seniors dedicate their lives to rest and enjoy their free time with friends and family. However, sadly, their abilities are dwindling and their friends are also following the cycle of life, and the family is immersed in their daily routines. This leaves them in an environment of loneliness. According to data from the Georgia Department of Human Services, 38.6 per cent of people over 60 in the state live alone, which may be an indicator of risk of social isolation and loneliness. How can be this palliated?
The Senior Assistance and Friendly Enforcement (S.A.F.E.)
The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office has had a good time launching a heartmelting voluntary initiative. Through The Senior Assistance and Friendly Enforcement (S.A.F.E.), seniors will be able to receive calls from volunteers, in order to spend some time chatting and telling them about this day or any other topic.
Sheriff Darren Pierce stated in an interview that “A simple phone call to some means the world to our senior citizens who do not have family or loved ones to check on their well-being throughout the week”. Isn´t it lovely? A Monday to Friday call program where seniors will have to sign up by filling out a form with their details. a small gesture that costs no effort and has incalculable benefits for those who founded the communities in which we live today.
Other plans
There are other measures that the state of Georgia has taken to combat any need that may be experienced by the elderly and anyone in the state. On their website you can see the long list of programs that include nutrition and home services, to accompanying programs. Some of these social programes include:
- Education and Support Groups. Regular gatherings of people people who share a common health concern or interest.
- Adult Day Services. Includes foods and recreational activities.
- Respite Care. Periods of rest for family caregivers.
- Mobile Day Care. Days during which qualified staff travel to other locations, including rural areas.
- Friendly Visiting. Home visits to reduce isolation from the elderly.
- Home Management Training. Visits oriented towards the development of the ability to carry out daily self-care activities for people with functional limitations.
These are some of the many social assistance schemes proposed by the state of Georgia, which as you can see, could not be more comprehensive and better elaborated. Spaces for care of those in need, rest for caregivers or support. Any possible need is covered with the plans in this list.
The existence of voluntary work and organizations dedicated both to caring for elderly people and to meeting any social needs of the population should be mandatory. Many people experience loneliness, either because their families cannot care for them or because they no longer have it. It may be a subject that we have overlooked but which is of vital importance. If you have let fast rhythm of everyday life catch you up and prevented you from making a call to a relative, this is the time. And if you are affected by this situation, go or call the authorities and ask for the available plans in your state or county!
Want to know which other measures may affect the elderly?
