Novice volunteer.

rockgran25, sounds like you are ideal! Good for you for doing this tough job. I am sure your client appreciated your time. If in any doubt about how long they need you to stay I'd be inclined to ask up front - I doubt anyone would mind. However, I am a little concerned you do not have anyone to report/download to.......you should have a bit of back-up yourself. I did a similar 'job' a few years ago but with young families. I had a team leader with whom I could de-brief and get advise and support from, listening to someone else's woes can be a bit exhausting if you have to shoulder it all yourself. Good luck.

HildaW. Thanks for the good advise. I am glad to say that I do have a support group area manager etc and we meet as a group of visiting volunteers every few months. I did another visit today (a different member) and managed to keep the visit to an hour.

A few years ago I was a volunteer visitor for elderly people and found it very rewarding - they knew so much more than me.
There was one exception - after about 3 visits one old lady refused to let me in, said I'd stolen a book from her! I was able to discuss this with the visits organiser, and soon after that the poor old soul had to be admitted to a care home.