Write to a Pen Pal, Visit a New Friend with TARCOG’s Initiative

Individuals Encouraged to Foster Relationships with Residents in Long-term Care

In a novel initiative meant to invigorate the lives of nursing home residents, the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) is seeking community volunteers to engage as pen pals or conduct friendly visits. The initiative is part of TARCOG’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman initiative, a program dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and rights of nursing home residents.

Pen Pals and Friendly Visits

TARCOG hopes to bridge the gap between the community and the residents of long-term care, bringing joy to the residents and allowing volunteers to make a positive impact. A participant in the program can either become a pen pal – regularly writing to a resident – or conduct in-person visits at a nursing home. Volunteers have the option to choose their method of engagement, allowing for a more personalized approach.

The Pen Pal Program

The Pen Pal program, added in 2011, offers participants the flexibility of location and time, making it perfect for those with busy schedules who still wish to contribute. Volunteers can contact residents via email, phone, or traditional letters and can decide to write individually or as part of a group. While the program encourages fun and creative engagement, certain content is discouraged, including romantic or sexually explicit discussions, discussions about politics and religion, and business or legal advice.

Impacting Lives

Participation in the Pen Pal program can significantly impact a resident’s life. TARCOG’s Lead Ombudsman Representative, Alicia Thomas Howard, stated, “This program usually benefits the participant who cannot make friendly visits, due to daily constraints of work or caring for the family.” She also highlighted that volunteers’ feedback so far has been immensely positive.

Friendly Visits

For those who have the time and ability to volunteer in a facility, the friendly visits program allows for more direct social interaction with the residents. These face-to-face visits help establish a strong bond of friendship and trust with the residents and are beneficial in reducing various behavioral problems, loneliness and depression. However, all volunteers wishing to participate in the friendly visits program must undergo free training, which includes observation and three on-site visits minimum in a long-term care facility.

Get Involved

With three focus long-term care facilities identified for the program in Madison County, TARCOG is inviting interested individuals to join its efforts in enriching the lives of nursing home residents. For more information or to volunteer, interested individuals can contact Alicia Thomas Howard or visit the TARCOG website.