A simple knock on the door and a friendly smile can make a powerful difference. The Purchase District Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is inviting community members to become Friendly Visitors, a volunteer role focused on reducing loneliness and improving quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities.
Program leaders say nearly 60 percent of residents in long-term care facilities receive no visitors, making companionship more important than ever. Friendly Visitors provide connection through conversation, shared activities, and meaningful presence — whether in person or by phone.
Volunteers commit to visiting their assigned resident at least once a month, spending time however the resident prefers — chatting, playing cards, gardening, or simply sitting together. Friendly Visitors are not responsible for investigating complaints or concerns; that role remains with the Ombudsman Office.
Volunteers receive two hours of initial training and four hours of continuing education annually. Appointments last one year, with the option to renew. Friendly Visitors may serve residents in any Purchase Area county, including Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, and McCracken counties.
To qualify, volunteers must be 18 or older, maintain confidentiality, be strong communicators, and have no conflicts of interest.
Those interested in becoming a Friendly Visitor can contact Angela Farthing, Purchase District Long-Term Care Ombudsman, at 270-251-6120 or [email protected]
Organizers say the relationships formed through this program leave a lasting impact — not only for residents, but for volunteers and the community as a whole.
