Lafayette, LA – In a heartwarming effort to tackle loneliness among the elderly, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office has launched a new initiative that brings much-needed social interaction to older residents. The Elderly Assistance Program, which began several weeks ago, aims to provide regular visits to seniors in the community, ensuring they have someone to talk to and a reliable source of companionship.
Sheriff Eddie Langlinais explained that for many elderly residents, regular visits and conversations are becoming increasingly rare, which can contribute to a sense of isolation. “A lot of these older people don’t have people visiting them on a regular basis to have that conversation they might be used to having or would like to have,” said Langlinais. “Our deputies are there just to listen to them and have that conversation that maybe they are missing.”
The program focuses on reaching elderly residents who are 85 years or older. Since its inception, deputies have already visited over 1,000 seniors, offering vital social interaction and providing an opportunity for residents to voice any concerns or needs. The simple act of checking in has proven to make a significant difference in many lives.
One such resident is Mrs. Effie Broussard, a senior living in Gueydan, a small town about 30 minutes from Abbeville. Mrs. Broussard eagerly awaits her regular visits from deputies. When they arrived at her home, she greeted them warmly and welcomed their company with open arms. “I like visitors and of course, I was happy to see them,” said Broussard, adding that she didn’t mind repeating herself during their conversations. “I was honored to see them back… checking on the elderly.”
During their visit, deputies Stewart and Hebert were treated to chocolates and coffee as Mrs. Broussard expressed her gratitude for the program. It is this kind of human connection that the Elderly Assistance Program aims to foster — something as simple as a conversation can bring joy and comfort to those who may otherwise spend much of their time in isolation.
For deputies like Stewart and Hebert, who both came out of retirement to help with the program, the initiative holds deep personal significance. “I spent almost 30 years in law enforcement and no one has done anything for the elderly,” said Deputy Stewart. “If they needed you, they would call you. Now, it’s a program where we might not be able to be there every week for them, but we will eventually make our rounds, see what they need, meet their concerns, and bring it back to the sheriff.”
The success of the program so far has highlighted its importance in strengthening ties between law enforcement and the community. While the visits provide critical social support for elderly residents, they also allow deputies to build rapport and trust within the parish.
The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office hopes to continue expanding the program, ensuring that no elderly resident in the community faces loneliness alone. Through these regular visits, the Elderly Assistance Program not only addresses the emotional needs of seniors but also reaffirms the role of law enforcement in fostering a caring and connected community.