Volunteer program to assist the elderly to remain in home settings.

A community-based volunteer program was organized to improve the quality of life for elderly individuals in the community. Each elderly client referred for the program from welfare and home health agencies, or from family and friends, was matched with a volunteer who visited regularly. The volunteers also assisted with transportation, sitting, home maintenance, and meal preparation when these services were not available. The goals of the program were to improve the quality of life of elderly in the community, to assist the clients to remain in their home setting despite physical limitations, to encourage positive attitudes toward the elderly by the volunteers, and to increase the community's awareness of the older person's needs. The program also included educational seminars on gerontology for volunteers and community members.