How to Refer a Senior Citizen to Join Senior Angels Program

Senior Angels is a program that matches an “angel” volunteer with a senior citizen in order to bring encouragement and brighten the live of an elderly person. Many senior citizens are in need in of extra love and attention, but they don't know about Senior Angels program that does exactly that - brings a special angel into the life of a lonely senior to show them that someone cares about them, loves them, and has time and desire to be their friend. If you know of a lonely senior who might benefit from this program, learn how to help them join.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   The program is open for seniors 65 years of age or older. Any lonely senior can apply. They could be homebound, or living in a nursing home, assisted living facilities, retirement home, etc.

2. 

   An application must be filled out online. If your senior friend is comfortable using a computer, explain them steps below but I suggest providing help and guidance in this process instead of simply referring them to a website.

3. 

   Go to Chemo Angels website at chemoangels.net and click on Senior Angels tab located on the left hand side navigation menu. Your senior friend must accept program’s general terms & conditions. You cannot sign your senior friend without their full knowledge and consent, thus provide guidance and help during this process.

4. 

   Fill out Senior Application Form and indicate your senior friend’s contact information, their hobbies, interests, activities and things they enjoy.

5. 

   Every senior must have at least one contact person - close friend, relative, caring neighbor or facility staff person who generally knows what is going on in senior’s life. This person must have an email address. You can provide your information or help your senior friend identify someone who can be a contact on the application form.

6. 

   The processing time for application is 5-7 days. The organization will find a match and assign an angel who will regularly communicate with your senior friend by sending them letters, cards, holiday greetings, and small gifts.

7. 

   Encourage all lonely seniors to join the program. Help them sign up and watch them smile every time they receive a special letter from someone who cares. And if you have time and desire, join the program as well and sign up to be someone’s Senior Angel!

Tips & Warnings

• Explain to your senior friend that they are not required to write back to their assigned angel if they don’t want or simply don’t have the means or energy. It is ok and they should not feel guilty.

Resources

• How to Volunteer to be a Senior Angel and Support our Senior Citizens
• How to Refer People in Health Crisis to Join CaringBridge Service
• Senior Angels Program

[Altair4]

on 5/25/2009 Wonderful! I am also creating a web site called "take a senior fishing" I live on an island, the idea is for boat owners to befriend a senior and take em fishing for a day out. 5*

[gahazeleyes]

on 5/16/2009 Thanks for sharing your article on how to refer a senior citizen to join senior angels program.

[aquaeyedgirl]

on 5/15/2009 I believe in care for our Seniors because we will be one someday (if we're lucky). This is a great article and getting the word out! Well written article! 5* REC

[MI-Sandi]

on 4/12/2009 Great, heart felt article on How to Refer a Senior Citizen to Join Senior Angels Program. 5*

[grannyshirley]

on 3/21/2009 what a lovely caring program and what a lovely person you are for recommending it! Thank you! 5***** and a recommend