The Nature Coast Volunteer Center and the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) are offering the Telephone Reassurance Program to seniors or isolated individuals to create a sense of security through regular phone contact with one of our volunteers.

Most senior citizens desire to live independently and safely in their homes for as long as possible. The goal of the Telephone Reassurance program is to provide isolated or elderly individuals with a sense of security through regular phone contact with trained volunteers. The Program offers regularly scheduled phone contact with homebound seniors, provides information regarding community resources available, and notifications regarding extreme weather or emergency alerts.

Our trained volunteers offer a friendly and familiar voice, socialization, and reassurance to their assigned homebound senior. The service, which confirms safety and imparts care and concern, is available at no cost.

Some clients wish to be called daily, or three times a week or less. Some wish to have a 5-10 minute or longer conversation, and others just want a brief call from someone to check on them and make sure they are ok. Calling times vary from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday (no weekends), and the volunteers who have completed training are ready to get started.

After a new client is signed up for the program, they are matched up with a volunteer who will make calls at a mutually agreed upon time. If, for some reason, the client will not be home at the agreed upon time, we ask that the Volunteer Center be notified. We understand that this is not always possible, depending on the circumstances. If the Telephone Reassurance client does not answer their phone at the agreed upon time the call-down procedure is initiated, making every effort to assure the client is safe and well.

If you think this program is right for you, or you would like more information, please call us at (352) 249-1275 or email us at ncvc@citrusbocc.com today!