Senior Companions Touch Lives of Peers
According to Sonja Mickelson, Western Coordinator of the Senior Companion
Program located in Minot, “There is a need statewide for senior companions but the need is GREAT in rural communities in the Watford City area. A toll free number is 1 800 450 1510. Callers will be forwarded to the Minot office.”
This is some of the information found on the senior website http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/sc.asp
Senior Companions touch the lives of adults who need extra assistance to live independently in their own homes or communities. They serve frail older adults, adults with disabilities, those with terminal illnesses, and offer respite for caregivers. They assist their adult clients in basic but essential ways:
Offering companionship and friendship to isolated and frail adults;
Assisting with simple chores;
Providing transportation; and
Adding richness to their clients’ lives.
Who can be a Senior Companion? Senior Companions are individuals age 60 or over who want to help adults with special needs remain independent and living in their own home.
To participate in the Senior Companions program, volunteers must be 60 or over and be able to serve between 15 and 40 hours a week.
Senior Companions make connections with other adults and know they are making significant contributions to their lives. In addition, they receive the following:
Pre-service and monthly training sessions
Reimbursement for transportation;
Some meals during service;
An annual physical;
Accident and liability insurance while on duty; and
Income-eligible Senior Companions also receive a modest, tax-free stipend to offset the cost of volunteering.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:47 am
Oh! I just read this and I think I’ll print it and take it to Circle on Thursday afternoon. We should find some Senior Companions there and help this cause get going!
Thank you, Dorothy, for posting this great story. Dale
February 1st, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Doro, Thank you for getting the word out about the Senior Companion Program. It is a great program for the companion, the client and the community. Thanks for being a cheerleader for such a worthwhile program!! Could you please write a poem about this, Doro?
Sonja