July 17, 2000

Phone 'angels' needed

Toronto, ON - Leon Kuperberg, Al Pottens and Dorothy Buckhalter all believe in the phone "angels". The three seniors live in their own homes and receive calls from their angels every week. And just who are these angels? They are very real and special people who are phone volunteers with the Seniors Support Program at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. The program is into its fourth year and helping more than 250 seniors, many of whom are frail and living alone, in the Toronto area. Some are on the waiting list for long term care, others may be recently widowed or struggling to look after a sick spouse.

Calling up a senior to say "Hello, how are you today" is a very simple gesture that makes them feel valued and cared about, says social worker Lesley Patterson, who coordinates the program. In some cases it can be a lifeline for a senior who is unable to get out much and feels isolated. The phone volunteer is backed up professionally by an in-house social worker and registered nurse.

Leon is 89 years old and looking after his wife of 62 years, Rachel, who has suffered several small strokes. Every Tuesday morning, he looks forward to a call from his phone angel Freda Slotnick.

"It's just a simple phone call, but it means so much to me," says Leon.

Fred Gold, a retired school teacher, is a phone volunteer. "I didn't think I could do it," he admits. "I'm not a doctor or a psychiatrist, but I learned that I have a really good intuition about people. I can sense if they're feeling well or not well." What Fred gets in return is a sense of satisfaction that he is reaching out to another life and making a difference.

Baycrest needs more phone angels. The time required is only a few hours a week, in the morning or afternoon. "Ideally, we're looking for retired people because they often have similar life experiences as their senior clients and can relate with them," says Patterson.

For information on this volunteer opportunity, contact the Seniors Support Program at Baycrest Centre, (416) 785-2500, ext. 2250.