Individual intergenerational companionship

Some of the elderly, especially the ones that are disabled and with major health problems, need some personal companionship at their home; it is very important for them to socialize. That kind of companionships also helps their carers to get some burden of their shoulders.

Volunteer meets with an old person once a week for friendly conversation, for a walk or any other activity they choose and that is socially connecting. Most of the volunteer companions socialize with one older person, but some of them have relationships with many older people in their local communities. Volunteers are also members of intergenerational and intervision groups. Regular companionship with an older person is emotional and that is why it is very important for volunteers to meet with groups, where they can relieve the stress that volunteer situations could bring.

Mrs. Marija, 82 years old, mathematics teacher: All of my loved ones are now gone. I used to have trouble sleeping and during the long sleepless nights dark stories of my life went trough my head. What is the point of living? But then I met Katja, my neighbour down the street. We have been socializing for five years now, we talk and take a walk every week. Sometimes I teach her children mathematics. One time I asked her, why does she, a young person, hang out with me, just an old lady. She said that she likes to listen to my experiences and that she finds my experiences interesting. I know that she took a course for socializing with old persons and that there are a lot of other volunteers that meets regularly. Sometimes she tells me some of her interesting experiences about their meetings. She asked me to join them, but I rather didn't. Well, my life has been much nicer since I met Katja, despite all the problems of ageing.