Virtual Visit Overview

Virtual Visits

Virtual visits are visits that take place between people in different locations, and are facilitated by technology. Our virtual visits are done using video calls through a computer or other suitable device with a camera, microphone, and display. They can take place anywhere there is access to the internet. Our video calls typically involve one senior and three students, with the goal of developing intergenerational friendships. The same students will return each week to share what is going on in their lives and learn of anything new in the senior’s life. All of our students are trained, and then evaluated to confirm that they are best suited for this type method of forming meaningful relationships.

Frequency

Each match of students and a senior is scheduled for one visit per week. When the visit is initially requested for the senior, they will specify when they’re most available, and we’ll find students who are available at that time. Each week, they will visit at the same day and time.

Our visits are available seven days per week, during a wide range of hours. Typically, calls will last no more than an hour each week. If the senior wants to talk for less than an hour, the call can end early.

Benefits

Our virtual video visits have many benefits over traditional visitation programs, including:

  • Visits can take place anywhere, and don’t require commuting to the visitation location. Visits can take place if the senior is bedbound or homebound.
  • Visits focus on building relationships with the senior, not just doing an activity, like reading a book or playing cards.
  • Visits can take place in any type of weather.
  • Visits are monitored to ensure that they always occur on schedule.

Safety

Virtual visits are much safer for seniors than traditional visits or friendly caller programs, because:

  • Seniors are not being conditioned to pick up the phone and speak to a stranger.
  •  Seniors are able to participate from the safety of their home.
  • The video nature of the call means that there is no anonymity for the visitors, making them accountable.
  • Since visits are not in person, visitors do not require health checks and vaccinations. Also, there are no strangers in your home or community.