With an aging community, there’s more need now than ever to support senior citizens, and the Friendly Visitor program helps volunteers in the community do that.

Susan Keir, the outreach coordinator for the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, said the weekly visits foster true two-sided relationships.

“It’s just amazing some of the things I’ve learned,” Keir said. “I don’t think people always realize how much you get back, too.”

Carolyn Thomas began volunteering with the program several years ago and said she’s formed a true friendship with the woman she visits. Her friend, who asked not to be named, has one family member nearby but otherwise spends most of her time alone.

When she and Thomas get together, they play cards and swap stories.

“She told me about her baptism,” said Thomas.

“I was afraid I was going to drown! I was sure I was going to stay down there,” remembered the elder woman.

She said weekly visits with Thomas have been a comfort.

“It makes you feel better. It’s like she’s my sister or my cousin.”

Each pair of friends decides what they want to do with their time, whether it be taking a walk or having a conversation over coffee.

The Friendly Visitors bond with the senior citizens they see each week, calling them if they’re out of town and helping them connect to services, such as free rides to the doctors office.

Since the seniors may not see many people each week, the visitors play an important role in helping to identify areas of need.

“It’s very much boots on the ground,” said Keir. Plus, for the seniors, “it’s another link to the outside.”

Keir wants to get the word out about the program expand. The number of volunteers and seniors has dwindled, but with an aging community, she knows there are many in town who are likely in need of companionship.

“People don’t tend to volunteer themselves,” she said, so it’s up to family members and neighbors to contact the Council on Aging. Of course, Keir stressed, seniors must agree to having a visitor come.

Keir also said more volunteers are needed. Aside from being able to commit to a weekly visit, volunteers should live in town year round.

“We’re looking to try to build up [the program],” she said. “I really try to frame it as a friendship because that’s what it is – volunteering to build a friendship with someone.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Friendly Visitor or being visited may contact Susan Keir at 508-758-4110 or outreachcoa@mattapoisett.net.