Telephone Buddy, Friendly Visitation and Voice & Pen Pal Services

The Telephone Buddy Service is to facilitate regular phone calls from our trained volunteers providing social connections and support to alleviate isolation among seniors live alone in their home or facility.

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The Friendly Visitation Service involves arranging regular visit by our trained volunteers to provide companionship and support to residents in assisted living and long-term care facilities who may be experiencing social isolation due to limited language.

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The Pen pal (Voice & Letter Connection) Service provides seniors living in facilities or at home with regular voice messages and illustrated letters from our dedicated volunteers. These messages, delivered by post mail or email (online devices), help alleviate loneliness and foster a sense of connection. 

Eligibility

• Being 65 years of age and older

• Japanese-speaking senior or Japanese Canadian senior

• Lives alone and/or having immediate contact with family and friends

• Has language barrier in their home, assisted living or long-term care facility.

• Able to receive initial assessment with Tonari Gumi staff in-person or via telephone (Telephone Buddy services only)

Service Area

• Telephone Buddy – Lower Mainland

• Friendly Visitation – VCH Region and some FH Region

• Voice & Letter Connection – Lower Mainland

Cost

Free!