Practical and Friendly Assistance for Seniors

Our Shopping Assistance and Friendly Home Visiting programs provide socialization and shopping assistance to those who are generally homebound, isolated, and lack adequate support systems. Volunteers are carefully screened, trained and matched with seniors in need. Volunteers are available and scheduled once per week, at a time agreeable to both parties.

Shopping Assistance volunteers go to a senior's home, pick up a shopping list and cash for payment. They return immediately after shopping with the purchased items, receipt and any change. Friendly Home Visitors go to a senior's home weekly to provide socialization and companionship. Volunteers can play cards or other games, read, take short walks when appropriate, or just provide a listening ear. Every effort is made to match the senior and volunteer based on personality and common interests.

Accessing this Help

• Call our Community Care Services Department at 518.465.6465. Applicants are screened for eligibility; basic information is collected either over the phone or in-person by an outreach counselor.
• Calls/referrals may be made by seniors themselves, friends, family or other community agencies.
• Once approved, our Volunteer Services Department will work to find a volunteer match. This process normally takes approximately 30 days.
• Services are funded by the Albany County Department for Aging; there is no cost to receive these services.
• Seniors utilizing the programs will be given an opportunity to make a contribution towards expanding the programs.
• No one is denied service because they are unable to or choose not to contribute.
  

Want to volunteer?

Call 518.465.1398 or send email to: volunteer@seniorservicesofalbany.com for more information.