After months of planning to meet an urgent need, the Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley (in Middlesex County, New Jersey) gathered nearly two dozen volunteers shortly before Rosh Hashanah to start an exciting new initiative.

Volunteers gathered on September 12 at Congregation Ohav Emeth in Highland Park to learn about the best practices for conducting visits with homebound seniors in the community. June Stern, a licensed clinical social worker with 40 years of experience serving seniors, spoke with attendees about how to conduct a first visit with a homebound senior and set expectations for future visits. She also addressed issues such as responding when a senior expresses strong feelings, what to do if there’s a medical emergency, reacting to symptoms of depression and signs of decline.

Bikur Cholim welcomes additional visitor volunteers for the Home Visitation Program and suggestions of seniors who would appreciate visits. For more information on this program or to volunteer, contact Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley Co-President Cindy Baruch at 908-309-8818.