Everything KC Shepherd's Center does is to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults. We provide wrap around services to help the 90% of older adults who will age in place stay safe, healthy and happy in the place they call home.
Our in-home programs are important to keep older adults socially connected. Research tells us that isolation and loneliness are the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increase dementia by 50% and death by all causes by 40%.
Through our hundreds of dedicated volunteers and staff, we are able to provide friendly visitor programs both in-person and through our phone pal program.
Phone Pals
Could you or someone you know benefit from a friendly phone call?
Our Phone Pals program was created as an initiative to alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation during the pandemic and it has become so popular we have decided to keep it going.
Phone Pal volunteers are matched with an older adult that they agree to contact weekly (and some check in more often than that) and have conversations. The relationships formed through the Phone Pal program are magical and benefit both the caller and those receiving the calls.
For more information contact Adaire Stewart at 816-293-9612 or by email at adaire@kcshepherdscenter.org.
Friendly Visitors
We offer several programs for in-home companionship. Our friendly visitor program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to engage older adults in their homes for a few hours a week. If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who could benefit from a friendly visit, please contact Terry Rynard at 816-293-9593.
Senior Companions Program
Since 1981 the Senior Companion Program has been providing assistance and friendship to older adults and adults with disabilities to help them remain independent in their own homes at no cost. Senior Companions also provide respite for family members who are caregivers. KC Shepherd’s Center matches Senior Companions with homebound clients in Jackson County, Missouri. Senior Companions spend several hours a week providing critical in-home companionship to homebound clients and their families. Their companionship helps older adults stay in their homes, reduces dangerous social isolation, and allows caregivers time to take care of important family business. The strength of our Senior Companion Program is “neighbor helping neighbor.”
If you live in Jackson County, MO and would like to participate in our Senior Companion Program, please call 816-293-9602 or email Charlotte Melson at charlotte@kcshepherdscenter.org.
