Upstate SC ADRC

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PROGRAMS    Long Term Care Ombudsman  

What is a Friendly Visitor?


The Friendly Visitor Program is part of the South Carolina Appalachian Council of Government’s Regional  Long-Term Ombudsman  Program.   Volunteers are not certified Ombudsman, but do help assist them in their duties.

Click for Friendly Visitor Program Brochure!

A Friendly Visitor is: 

  • A friendly visitor to nursing homes or assisted living facilities
  • Someone to educate residents and families about resident’s rights.
  • Someone to assist residents in resolving minor problems with the facility
  • Someone to participate in resident and family council meetings
  • Someone to bring issues or problems to the attention of the facility administrator and to the attention of the regional ombudsman

And most importantly...

  • A friend and listening ear to those residents who have little or no visitors

Who Can Become a Friendly Visitor?

To become a volunteer you-

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and transportation
  • Must have acceptable verbal, listening, and writing skills
  • Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Must be free from conflict of interest
  • Must agree to abide by the Ombudsman Code of Ethics
  • Must not use controlled substances
  • Must not have a criminal record
  • Must not presently have, or have had in the recent past, a family member or close friend in the facility where you are placed as a volunteer
  

Why should YOU do it?

  • To gain new skills or experience in the long-term care field
  • To build social networks and make new contacts
  • To help make a difference in the care of residents living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities
  • To enjoy the satisfaction of helping others through volunteer work

How do you become a Friendly Visitor?

To be considered for a Friendly Visitor position, applicants must complete a screening process.  This process includes completion of an application, an interview, as well as background and reference checks.  You will also receive classroom and on-the-job training.

Click here for Application

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