In the nearly two years since Morningside Village (MV) began connecting seniors with volunteer visitors and helpers, the “MV friend phenomenon” (MVFP) has emerged. To be expected! Over time, volunteers often feel very familiar with the senior whom they visit, for they have become close friends. For some volunteers, relationships with the elder are so familiar that they don’t always have the time or wish to write a monthly visiting journal, for our records. Although the MV coordinator keeps in close contact with elders and volunteers and although the MVFP can give the impression of blurring the line between volunteer and friend, we thank volunteers who nevertheless continue to provide us with important monthly visiting records!
Irene Zola