Almost one-third of Wrangell’s population is at least 65 years old, and many could use some help, which is the idea behind Hospice of Wrangell restarting its Friends and Neighbors program.
“We are recruiting volunteers to visit assigned neighbors to provide them with conversation, help with reading or writing, play games, prepare some food, help tidy up or escort them to an errand or appointment,” said the program announcement from hospice.
“Visitors will not provide personal care, handle finances or do any heavy chores. Visitors will mostly visit in pairs.”
Friends and Neighbors program leader Chris Bue, a nurse, and Alice Rooney, a social worker, will provide orientation, supervision and support for volunteers.
The program was active in the community until the COVID-19 pandemic shut down home visits in 2020. “We’re up and running now,” Rooney said last week.
“Your commitment of three to nine hours a month can make a real improvement in the quality of someone’s life,” according to the hospice announcement.
Anyone interested in learning more is invited to attend a learning session at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, or 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Irene Ingle Library conference room.
For more information, call Rooney at 907-305-0007 or email rooney@aptalaska.net.
Hospice of Wrangell’s annual meeting is set for noon Monday, Feb. 17, starting with lunch at the parish hall of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, followed by awarding this year’s Hospice Hearts and activity reports. The community is invited.
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