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The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive training program for volunteers for the elderly in Israel, which has been operated under the National Insurance Institute of the State of Israel.

The paper considers the need and values of training elderly volunteers to support the elderly in the community. The methodology of training is presented, starting with the first program of a new volunteer and continue with an advanced consultant course. The methodology of maintaining and continuous improvement of the training programs are also discussed.

Each year, about 500 volunteers participate in a 64 hours (four weekly hours for 16 weeks) new volunteer course, and about 50 volunteers participate in the consultant course. In addition, all active volunteers (about 4,000) participate in regular training groups, every alternate week for two hours.

The paper introduces a unique training methodology and training programs for elderly volunteers to support the elderly in the community. A continuous improvement methodology is discussed to ensure training effectiveness.

To review the voluntary operations of Counseling Services for the Elderly, which has operated since 1972 under the National Insurance Institute of the State of Israel.

The paper considers the elderly population and its characteristics and the gradual development of the volunteering counseling services. The characteristics of the volunteers and their motivation in this work are also discussed. The training that volunteers undergo is constantly being updated and upgraded, and details are provided that cover home visits, consultations and special projects.

Currently, Counseling Services for the Elderly operates 4,278 volunteers in 21 branches across the country, supporting thousands of the elderly on a relatively low budget of less than $3 million for 2003.

The paper presents a unique voluntary service that is fully integrated into national welfare for the elderly. The service meets the objectives of assistance to the elderly while helping to maintain and develop the quality of life of the volunteer.