LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Did you know that only 5 percent of seniors over 65 are in residential facilities?

That means that the balance of seniors are still living on their own. Many of these seniors have no family or no family living near by, belong to no organizations or groups and have few friends because they lack transportation or are unable to get out.

There are many reasons why seniors find themselves isolated and alone.

The Friendly Visitor Program of Konocti Senior Support Inc. is accepting applications for the fall Friendly Visitor Volunteer Training.

This training will provide volunteers with the opportunity to use their life experiences and provide companionship to home bound seniors.

Friendly Visitors meet with seniors they are matched with once a week for at least an hour to chat, play cards or just listen.

Friendly Visitor services are provided to seniors free of charge by volunteers and all around Lake County.

Volunteer training consists of three days of training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch provided.

The training covers topics through instruction, discussion and participation in such areas as listening, stress reduction, addressing issues of depression and grief, and setting healthy boundaries.

Training also provides participants with useful information which can be used in there own lives.

Konocti Senior Support’s Friendly Visitor training will be provided by Program Director Judy Morgan and offered in Clearlake on Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 and in Lakeport on Nov. 1, Nov. 8 and Nov. 15.

A stipend will be provided to cover mileage to and from training.

Help the group help seniors throughout Lake County. Call 707-995-1417 now for your application and more details or visit www.konoctiseniorsupport.com.