Older Adult Programming

The Telephone Reassurance Program

The Telephone Reassurance Program is the core component of our Older Adult Program. We connect trained volunteers with homebound older adults, fostering relationships and working to prevent loneliness and the effects of social isolation through weekly phone calls. Volunteers play a vital role for our clients’ social workers as well, as they become advocates and another voice for their clients’ concerns and health needs.

Clients of the program receive:

  • Personalized phone calls from trained volunteers once or twice a week Monday-Friday

  • Updates about social services in the community

  • In person community events for volunteers and clients at RNH

Intergenerational Advisory Council

From November to May, we host an Intergenerational Advisory Council, made up of teens and older adults. Council members work together to create events and programs for the community that appeal to all ages. Past examples include a Valentine making event, career panel, a cooking class and more!

IAC meets every Wednesday 3:30-5:30, starting in November.

We are currently looking for older adults to serve on this year’s council. If interested, please fill out this form.

Telephone Reassurance Client Benefits

Families are happy to know that we are checking in on their loved ones and for many of our clients, our calls are the only contact they receive on a given day.

Our program can save valuable resources, as a three to five minute phone call can inform the support network if further care is needed, avoiding unnecessary and expensive home visits.

This program helps older adults remain at home and avoid a nursing home or institutional placement before it is absolutely necessary.

Become a Client Today
 

In order to become a client — Complete the form linked above and email it to Nancy Alberts, Older Adult Program Manager, nalberts@riverdaleonline.org

You may also drop it off at the Riverdale Neighborhood House, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) between 9am and 5pm.

IAC Experiences

“I enjoy the program because I believe in filling the gap between the older and younger generations. I think filling this gap creates a warm atmosphere for people of all ages.”

“It was really great to work with the young people, and see how we could communicate and work together. [IAC] was a lot of fun!”

TRP on CBS NEWS

In March 2024, CBS News featured the Telephone Reassurance Program in a story on loneliness. Watch the video to hear from our volunteers and clients about the positive impact the program has had on the community.

RNH is featured starting around the 7:15 timestamp.

FAQs

  • Volunteers make personalized weekday calls to older adults who are homebound, providing social contact while also listening for signals indicating the need for additional support.

  • Absolutely. We provide a detailed training for all volunteers before they begin, as well as regular support and check ins during their time volunteering with us.

  • Please review our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn more and sign up.

  • This volunteer opportunity is now offered as a remote chance to give back. During the pandemic, our volunteers shifted from in person to remote, and began making their daily calls from home.

    We have began bringing volunteers back on site, but will continue to offer this opportunity remotely.

  • Yes, we do take referrals. We currently work with agencies like JASA, Hebrew Home, RSS, and Hudson Guild.

    Please see our Client Benefits section below for more information.

  • Older adults who would like to join can fill out the application form here.

  • Members of the council meet on Wednesdays 3:30-5:30 at Riverdale Neighborhood House from November through May. In these meetings, members will work with teens to plan intergenerational events and programs for the community.

  • We encourage anyone who is interested in intergenerational programming to fill out the application form, regardless of if they are available for the meeting.

    On the form, indicate that you are interested but unavailable for the meetings. We will then make sure to let you know about other opportunities for intergenerational programming.

Have any questions about our Older Adult Programs?

Contact Nancy Alberts, Older Adult Program Manager: nalberts@riverdaleonline.org