A Friend l An On Call Driver l Board Member

Responsibilities of a Friend

1. Initiate each visit, making sure to see your adopted grandparent once a week.

2. Give love and care to your new friend.

3. More importantly, receive the love that is offered. Verbally acknowledge what you are getting out of your relationship.

4. Have fun! Laugh! Laughter heals many wounds and creates a bond between you that will soon become strong and secure.

5. Realizing that it takes 3 to 6 months for the relationship to "gel", be patient in the beginning.

6. Be a good listener. Simply sit and pay attention to the words, the body language, and to the setting of your adopted grandparent. Notice ways you may assist the senior. If you are able, ask the senior if he or she would like some help with needs that arise.

7. Be creative with your visits. What about taking a picnic lunch and going to the park to eat together. Or bringing him to your home to sit on the deck and have some iced tea. Or taking her on a walk around the block together. These are bonding times, memorable visits.

8. Remember that your grandparent has quirks, just as you do. Forgiveness is essential as you accompany your grandparent on her journey.

9. Commitment is the key to making a relationship work. A highly committed volunteer is generally the most successful volunteer. A highly committed volunteer does her best to display consistency, being on time ( big deal to seniors!!), and showing you keep your word. You will be rewarded with the trust, respect and love of your grandparent.

If you would like to inquire about volunteering, simply give us a call or email us. If this is the right fit for you, we will schedule an interview to find out more about your gifts, your desires for a potential grandparent, and what you are looking for in a volunteer position.

"A fuller life is what Adopt-A-Grandparent is all about.
The sharing of life between people of different times, races and cultures..."