It is common amongst seniors to suffer from social isolation. Due to their psychological vulnerabilities, reduced incomes & fear of crime, Holocaust survivors are particularly vulnerable to this type of seclusion. Isolation can lead to depression, which compounds their feelings of helplessness and loss. Many survivors are unaware of programs that could benefit them, and thus fail to apply for funds and other resources for which they might be eligible. To ameliorate these difficulties, friendly visiting and other programs with the shared goal of relieving isolation have made tremendous strides in many communities.

These services are particularly important,- because victims of Nazi persecution often lack the resources to secure the in-home care that could relieve their isolation. While nursing homes have been a refuge for many senior citizens, Holocaust survivors may find the regulated institutional atmosphere unsettling and even traumatic.

The programs offered by iVolunteer help to counter the isolation survivors experience and provide a lifeline through which their unique needs can be addressed, whether through iVolunteer programs or through referrals to other providers.