Students become ‘buddies’ with area seniors

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/scsn.jpg” caption=”The Student Community Support Network’s Resident Buddy Program works to lessen the isolation experienced by many older adults.”]A partnership between McMaster's Student Community Support Network (SCSN) and VON Hamilton is touching the lives of many area seniors.

The Resident Buddy Program works to lessen the isolation and lack of companionship experienced by many older adults by matching up enthusiastic McMaster students with Westdale and Ainslie Wood seniors. Students visit a resident “buddy” once a week, doing everything from simple activities like taking a walk or helping with gardening to going for dinner or doing some baking.

“The Resident Buddy Program is a great way for students to get involved in the community,” said Laura Stevens, director of the SCSN. “They have the chance to form meaningful relationships with seniors and help reduce their sense of loneliness. It's also an amazing career-related experience for students in gerontology, kinesiology or nursing.”

Interaction between students and senior residents within the community is a great experience for both parties which fosters a greater sense of community and volunteerism among participants.

“We became good friends during my weekly visits,” said program volunteer Tiffany of her buddy, Gladys. “We talked a lot, put photos in albums and walked to Tim Horton's for coffee. I felt very good about befriending and supporting her, and I got to play an important role in the community.”

The SCSN is aimed at expanding and strengthening positive relationships between students and members of the local community. The SCSN also provides help for students with questions about city by-laws and housing. It launched the Resident Buddy Program two years ago.

To get involved with the Resident Buddy Program contact the SCSN through their website .