by Mallory Tomei, Eskaton’s Information and Resource Specialist

Many things about our lives change as we age. We start with a full house, and as kids grow and friends age, we become more and more isolated. Many studies suggest that loneliness has negative impacts on the human mind and body, including shorter lifespans and an increased chance of memory loss. Combating the pandemic of senior isolation is a very difficult task. Fortunately, Eskaton’s Telephone Reassurance program is leading the way in helping seniors who feel alone.

The Telephone Reassurance program is a free, volunteer-driven program that offers one-on-one phone calls to seniors who want and need more social interaction. Seniors can choose the time and days they want to be called. They will receive a friendly call from a dedicated volunteer. Last year alone, 160 Telephone Reassurance volunteers touched the lives of 660 socially isolated seniors, with over 75,000 calls and 2,658 home visits. These phone calls are more than just a conversation—they are also a check on well-being. If the Telephone Reassurance staff cannot contact a senior for a period of time or has reason to worry, they promptly call the designated emergency contact, or call for a welfare check to make certain the participant is safe. The volunteers truly care about each and every senior they call and want each participant to feel happy and healthy.

Loneliness can be a very heavy and frightening feeling, but there’s no reason to let it conquer your life. At Eskaton, there are people who truly care about seniors. If you or someone you know is lonely and can use more social interaction, please contact Eskaton's Telephone Reassurance staff at 916-334-1072 or 888-684-6554. Get a free application and get your calls started! It’s never too late to make a new friend.

Watch this video about Telephone Reassurance