Nonprofit’s phone programs help promote health among seniors

HUDSON, Fla. — A nonprofit in the Bay area is making sure seniors aren’t lonely. 

Seniors in Service connects seniors with volunteers for routine phone calls that often lead to friendship.

Before Pamela Roberts starts her volunteer phone calls, she makes sure to get a drink.

“I can’t survive without a Coke,” said Roberts, volunteer for Seniors in Service.

Then the retired registered nurse gets comfortable on the couch and dials the phone. Spectrum News couldn’t listen to a real phone call, as Roberts keeps them confidential. The calls are part of the nonprofit Seniors in Service Health Buddies Program, which helps seniors improve their health with informative calls.

Pamela Roberts volunteers for both the Health Buddies and Telepals Programs with Seniors in Service (Spectrum News/Tyler O’Neill)

“I don’t tell them what they should do, but I can make suggestions or explain to them what they should expect during different procedures,” Roberts said.

When the Health Buddies Program ends after 12 weeks, many of the participants join the Telepals Program to maintain the social connection they grew over those several months. Roberts volunteers for this too. 

“It’s people that you’ve developed an extra special bond during Health Buddies, and you just don’t want to stop the relationship,” she said.

Both Roberts and her participants value the connection that often develops into a friendship. 

“So they feel real lonely and isolated and, kind of forgotten,” the volunteer said.

Aria Garling with Seniors in Service said there is a real need for this kind of support. This year, the organization has served more than 350 people between the two programs.

“So for the wellness of our older adults, especially in the community, our program is crucial for wellbeing. Being able to age in place and further, just being able to have that quality of life that they absolutely deserve,” Garling said.

That quality of life Roberts is excited to work on with others. 

“I do this because this is a God-given talent that I have,” she said.

Giving back with her talent and a soda.

To volunteer for either program, you must be at least 18 years old and have a phone. 

You must also meet those requirements to be a participant, in addition to living in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco or Polk Counties. 

View more information on getting involved with Health Buddies.