American Red Cross Serving Erie and Niagara Counties prepares for and responds to disasters and
emergencies and helps people lead safe and healthy lives.
Type
of Volunteer Needed
Senior Citizen Advocate
Volunteer
Skills Needed
Must be at least 21 years of
age and have the interest and capability to fulfill the advocate’s
role. Must be sensitive to the elderly, reliable and be a
good listener. Requires a time commitment of up to 4 hours
each week. Initial training of 36 hours is required, with
follow-up training as needed.
Volunteer
Responsibilities
The Ombudsman Program utilizes
specially trained volunteers as advocates for the elderly
in long-term care facilities. They receive, handle and help
to resolve complaints, assist in protection of residents’ rights,
ensure better understanding of the services to which residents
are entitled, work with resident and family councils, and
establish good working relationships with the facilities
administrator and staff. The Red Cross administers this state
program in Erie County.
