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Services to Seniors Volunteers Needed

NEWS RELEASE

Date:      January 18, 2006

Contact:   Judith A. Rucki, APR

Phone: (716) 878-2368    Fax: (716) 878-2389

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RED CROSS

SERVICES TO SENIORS PROGRAM

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter is currently seeking volunteers for its Services to Seniors program.

Ombudsman are needed to provide advocacy services responsive to the complaints and problems of residents living in long term care facilities.

An ombudsman is a dedicated volunteer certified to receive, investigate, and solve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and certified housing in the community. Ombudsmen are assigned to a facility on a weekly basis to discuss problems, concerns, or to simply lend an open ear when residents have something on their minds. They monitor the quality of care, help protect residents’ rights, provide information to the residents and their families to ensure proper treatment, and to encourage residents to express their opinions. Volunteers will experience a wide range of satisfactions as they handle advocacy issues and increase community concern and interest for the institutionalized elderly.

Ombudsmen must be at least 21 years of age with an interest and capacity to fulfill the advocate’s role, as well as having strong verbal and written communication skills. Regularly scheduled training is provided. Interested parties should contact (716) 878-2385 for more information.

Volunteers also are needed for The Lifeline to Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Project, which is designed to help senior citizens, aged 60 years and above, to remain safely in their own homes.

Volunteers, who receive Red Cross training, provide services such as household chores, handyman work, snow removal, pet care and friendly visiting with the seniors. The LIFE Project serves clients on the East and West Sides of Buffalo and in Cheektowaga. 

While all types of volunteers are needed, family members are encouraged to “sign on” together for the LIFE Project. Many volunteers find it is a great way to serve the community while connecting as a family.

Interested parties should contact (716) 878-2376 for more information.

The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross prepares for, and responds to, community disasters and emergencies and helps people lead safe and healthy lives. The American Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest volunteer driven organizations in the United States and locally depends on the contributions of 1,000 volunteers to provide its emergency service and health education programs.