RETURN to HEALTH

Return to Health is a volunteer program that operates through Seniors Serving Seniors. The program provides frail and/or isolated seniors with social support, encouragement and connections to community resources following a hospital stay.

Island Health nurses and social workers contact the Community Services Coordinator with referrals to the program. On receiving a referral, the Coordinator assesses the client’s needs to determine if their needs can be met by a volunteer.

Clients who are agreeable to receiving volunteer support are matched with a trained Return to Health volunteer. “Our goal is to provide support and social interaction for clients and thus provide a smooth transition between hospital and home. We want our clients to know that they are not alone,” says the Coordinator.

Return to Health volunteer visitors make a huge difference in the lives of seniors during the convalescence period following hospitalization. They provide social support to patients and help them connect with services in the community. Seniors receive in-home visits once a week and perhaps follow up phone calls until they are able to return to normal activities.

Volunteers are currently being recruited for training which is taught by experts in the community and begins in mid-September.

Return to Health would love to hear from candidates who are mature and have good communication and listening skills. Phone Julie at: 250-382-4331 for information and registration to the program.