For the past eleven years, Conny Faber-Maas has spent one afternoon each week visiting her former workplace, the Maredoc residential centre in Heisdorf, where she provides company to a resident.
After retiring, Conny was approached by a resident who asked her to become her trusted companion. Their afternoons are spent chatting, going for walks, or sometimes attending medical appointments together.
Every week from 2pm to 5pm, Conny is present, and over time, this regular contact has led to a close bond that brings happiness to both. Conny finds fulfillment when she sees that her visits have a positive impact.
Staff and fellow residents try to provide support, but the special bonds found in family or close friendships are difficult to replace.
Staff at the centre explain that although they do their utmost for residents, volunteers can help to create even deeper connections and ensure that those living in care always have someone they can confide in.
Anne Hoffmann, director of the Agence du Benevolat, notes a clear trend: as Luxembourg's population ages and more people live alone or without family, feelings of isolation and loneliness are on the rise among the elderly.
To respond to this development, the agency, together with the Ministry of Family Affairs, has decided to breathe new life into relational volunteering.
A recent survey of care facilities for the elderly revealed that three quarters would like to expand or introduce this kind of volunteer support.
Anyone interested in relational volunteering can contact the Agence du Benevolat. Volunteers receive guidance and training from the organisations involved.
However, it is essential for participants to commit regular time, approach the role with empathy, and above all, show reliability by attending consistently.
