Finnish postal operator Posti has announced plans to launch a new Befriending service with the aim of better supporting elderly citizens in the community and helping them undertake outdoor activities. As part of the post’s Home Services division, the new service will be launched in January 2017.
Customers can order the Befriending service via Posti’s website. The post then visits the customer at an agreed time, either once or twice a week. Customers can either book one-hour or 30-minute time slots. The customer sets the terms of the outdoor activities to be undertaken, along with the route and pace.
Posti will carefully select the right employees to undertake the Befriending service and provide them with training from specialists. During the first visit, the customer is given the chance to get to know their own, dedicated befriender. The first visit also includes an analysis of the customer’s needs and wishes for the service.
“Our aim is to make the everyday lives of our elderly customers more active and social. Befrienders help customers to maintain their physical capability. Posti has a nationwide network and extensive experience in delivering meals and providing confidential support to elderly customers. This expertise is a natural foundation for daily home services,” says Petri Kokkonen, head of Posti’s Home Services division.
The Befriending service is intended for the elderly and other customers with reduced physical capability. The service helps customers maintain their overall capability and makes their everyday lives more active. The service does not include rehabilitation or the treatment of physical complaints.
November 30, 2016
