Visit-A-Bit Program

Serving the Greater St. Louis Area

Loneliness has no place to call home with the help of Visit-A-Bit.

Visit-A-Bit is designed to directly address loneliness among older adults in the Greater St. Louis area. It's a weekly socialization program that connects volunteers with older adults, who may be living alone or in a senior community, to develop meaningful relationships.

Benefits of the Visit-a-Bit Program

  • Improve Quality of Life: To improve the quality of life for participants, who may be experiencing levels of loneliness through connected weekly socialization.
  • Promote Independence: Resources can be provided to promote health, independence, and dignity in the home and community while offering weekly visit tasks as well.
  • Encourage Healthy Habits: To ensure homebound older adults are not food insecure, and to provide them with nutritional resources, if needed.
  • Protect from Abuse: To provide older adults with information about financial scams, fraud, and elder abuse; and, to provide fraud prevention/detection materials and information.
  • Increase Socialization: Weekly volunteer visits encourage older adults to socialize more. While interacting with others may help lighten one’s mood and feelings of loneliness may decrease.
  • Weekly Entertainment: Visit-A-Bit participants have the option to play weekly Tele-Bingo which offers short-term memory skills, hand and eye coordination, and a fun time!
  • Other Activities: Buzz Book, 24/7 meditation and music appreciation phone lines, and talk time.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Volunteer home visit programs are not new to the St. Louis region, but the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis has uncovered important opportunities other programs have not addressed. Other programs do not provide a dependable guide to help volunteers and adult participants actively engage in a variety of ways during visits. By providing weekly, structured activity ideas, we increase the opportunity for mental stimulation which greatly improves the experience and increases the probability of positive health outcomes.

What are the risks of loneliness in older adults?

Loneliness among older adults in St. Louis is not new to our community and is reaching epidemic proportions. Studies show over 43% of older adults have felt alone at least some of the time, and there’s health data concluding loneliness can increase the chances for serious health issues, like dementia and heart failure.

One leading study determined loneliness can increase the likelihood of death by 24%. The physical and mental health risks are real and it’s time for the St. Louis community to take action.

Ways to Participate in the Visit-a-Bit Program

Would you like to become a Visit-A-Bit participant?

Whether you are living at home alone or in a senior community you can join the Visit-A-Bit program. Visit-A-Bit offers supportive volunteer socialization, weekly Tele-Bingo games, and peer-to-peer socialization, complete the form to start the enrollment process.

Would you like to become a volunteer?

Requirements to become a volunteer for the Visit-a-Bit Program are:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, or Jefferson County
  • Have an interest in addressing senior adult loneliness
  • Can donate at least one hour a week

Summary of Visit-a-Bit Volunteer Position:

To provide companionship for an older adult in our Visit-A-Bit Program experiencing loneliness. Assist with educating older adults on techniques to assist in living alone happily, while providing an outlet for conversation, bonding, and rapport building.

Responsibilities & Duties:

  • Visit your older adult at least one hour a week (maximum of two hours a week)
  • Provide “phone touches” to your older adults if assigned
  • Call the Visit-A-Bit Manager with any issues, concerns, or question before and after each visit
  • Be a friend to your older adult and refer to your training manual if you have questions
  • Be respectful, gentle, kind, and non-judgmental

Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license
  • No prior experience required
  • Should exhibit a great deal of patience and provide a peaceful and meaningful experience for your older adult
  • Volunteers should genuinely want to be there and want to help. This is a long-term commitment.
  • No certifications or specific licenses required
  • No physical exertions or qualifications required to be a volunteer

Have more questions? E-mail Michele Prevedel for more details.

Questions about Visit-a-Bit? Call us at 314-918-7171
Make a gift of support to Visit-a-Bit today.

Resources for Older Adults Living Alone

What regional support services are available to older adults?

Senior Health & Mental Wellbeing Support

Transportation Assistance

  • St. Louis City and St. Louis County: 314-612-5918
  • St. Charles County: 636-949-3213
  • Jefferson County: 636-524-8507

Meals on Wheels

  • St. Louis City and St. Louis County: 314-374-9549
  • St. Charles County: 636-579-0555
  • Jefferson County: 636-677-4578

Utility Assistance

  • St. Louis City and St. Louis County: 314-241-7668
  • St. Charles County: 636-272-3477
  • Jefferson County: 636-789-2686
Visiting Nurses of St. Louis