Click Association is a pioneer in Israel in the field of senior citizens, implementing models of social-business
entrepreneurship and social technological solutions. The association was founded in 1983 and operates a wide range of services that encourage and enable a better quality of life for older adults. These include employment centers, a virtual center, leisure and enrichment centers, a community theater, senior clubs, a day center for frail seniors, a supportive community project, a club for Holocaust survivors, a municipal sports project, financial assistance for Holocaust survivors, and intergenerational community projects.
“Click for the Homebound Senior” is an initiative that has been operating for about a decade. It includes approximately 35 volunteers who conduct social home visits to seniors who are no longer able to participate in activities outside their homes. The weekly social visit, lasting about one to one and a half hours, includes conversation, discussion of current events, card games, reading aloud from the newspaper, life-story documentation, and any other activity of interest to both the volunteer and the senior.
The project was previously carried out in cooperation with Yad Sarah in Kfar Saba. Volunteers underwent structured training on topics related to working with older adults and shared their volunteering experiences, including both the joys and the challenges.
In addition, over the years, homebound seniors received creative kits, generously donated by the Eli and Dalia Horowitz Foundation, which were produced by senior citizens of the city at the “Savi” Employment Center.
Program Managers:
Eti Shoham, Rina Fodelini, Toni Leshem, Eti Shami, Tzvia Meshgav
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Matching Process
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An interview with the homebound senior and family members in order to understand the health status, needs, and preferences.
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A preparatory interview with a potential volunteer, addressing various topics such as:
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Understanding the nature of the relationship and the purpose of the support.
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Boundaries of the volunteer–homebound senior relationship.
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The relationship between the volunteer, the homebound senior, and family members.
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Loneliness, emotional distress, and life-cycle issues.
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Effective communication, active listening, and optimal support.
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A coordination meeting among the program managers to identify a suitable match between the homebound senior and the volunteer.
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An initial joint meeting involving the volunteer, the volunteer coordinator, and the homebound senior, held at the senior’s home.
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Monthly follow-up phone calls conducted by the program managers with both volunteers and homebound seniors.
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Monthly program management meetings for reporting and ongoing evaluation.
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A municipal welfare representative is involved throughout the matching process and meetings.
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Professional training sessions on topics relevant to volunteering.
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Social gatherings and the presentation of certificates of appreciation and recognition for volunteers.
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The provision of a modest holiday gift for both volunteers and homebound seniors.
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