Here are some of their testimonials.
Norma – companion Laurie
Norma is thankful that Laurie, her phone companion, calls regularly and lets her know when she will be away and unable to call or visit. Norma was thankful for Laurie’s help with organizing her apartment for a few hours. Norma shared that it is important to have Laurie in her life. Covid has been overwhelming and has been going on for so long, so Laurie’s kindness has been graciously appreciated.
Norma expressed if you start your day off on a positive note, the day will go much better. Even when one must wear a mask, Norma says you just need to smile even bigger so that people can see your eyes smiling. Being kind and helping others is what life is all about and Norma knows that Laurie is an excellent example of that. Norma enjoys the sunny days as well! Laurie is a sunshine in her life and Norma is grateful for the wonderful program offered by Simply Compassion.
Mary – companion Abby
Mary struggles with the isolation, so when young Abby, her companion calls, Mary loves hearing about Abby’s school, the family and how busy she is with her studies. Mary enjoys talking to younger people and definitely loves the Simply Compassion program.
Betty – companions Jessica and Laurie
Betty finds that living in isolation is difficult, but she is so grateful to have both Jessica and Laurie as companions to visit with her. Both volunteers call Betty every week and she loves that about the Simply Compassion program. Jessica is a dear little soul to Betty, even though she feels connected to both companions. Jessica is attempting to get into school in Calgary and then she would be able to visit Betty in person. Betty loves that she can talk to her and hear about her young life. Betty is grateful for both volunteers and looks forward to meeting and talking with them every week.
Ron – companion Katy
Ron has found a wonderful friend in Katy, his companion. Because she calls every week, he is so grateful for their friendship. Ron has no family and so the two of them check in on each other and look out for one another. An example of this was when the roads were very bad, Ron was concerned about her driving, but Katy called the next day to reassure Ron that she had made her trip safely. He feels that he has known her his entire life. Ron states that he has been in his room for years and because he only has thirty percent lung capacity, he is careful with his health. He would like to go to Walmart one of these days to cash in on the gift certificates he received during Christmas, and he loved all the wonderful Christmas gifts that helped him out so much. Ron is still fearful about going to the dining room because of outbreaks, so his connection with Katy is very important to him.
Ralph – companion Teresa
Ralphrecently shared his life story and legacy with Simply Compassion and Teresa, his volunteer companion, was instrumental in securing an interview with him that is posted on the website. https://simplycompassionadvocacy.com/our-love-and-a-dementia-diagnosis-that-changed-our-life/ Please check it out!
After Ralph’s interview with Teresa and Jessica, he shared that he had been glad to find a job that was based on talking, because he never learned to be quiet. His lack of stage fright was due to his mother who put him into every talent show from the age of 4 or 5. Later in life, he lectured as a professor, but also became involved in radio and television for awhile. Back then, one had to be able to say something sensible without any warning because there was a live camera and open microphone for the call-in talk shows. Good interviewers are helpful and that’s where thanks are due to Jessica and Teresa.
Ralph also reiterated that Teresa has been a warm friend to him, and their phone conversations and visits have been valuable to him. His care facility feels the same way. The isolation has been very hard and his visits with Teresa have changed his life. He started taking up his hobbies again because he feels more joy now and valued for his contributions.
We are so thankful to Teresa for becoming a great friend and visitor to Ralph. She has made such an impact in his life and vice versa. Ralph said he is extremely grateful for the work our team is, and will be doing
The impact of volunteers like the team from Simply Compassion Advocacy Society is evident from the positive effect on the seniors.
Learn how to become involved in this program by visiting the website:
