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Sunday, September 07, 2008

Child Care Connection

Elder Services

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Human Resources

Senior Companion Program

R.S.V.P.

Senior Companion Program: a part of the National Senior Service Corps. Senior Companions are volunteers 60 years of age and older who devote 15-20 hours per week providing individualized care and assistance to frail, often isolated, elders in the community. Senior Companions also provide assistance in Adult Day Care Centers, Assisted Living and Long Term Care Facilities by providing socialization and assistance with utilization of services. The Senior Companion Program also exists to give back to our senior volunteers by providing them with a heart-warming volunteer opportunity and other benefits that include reimbursement to volunteers for travel and meal expenses, an income eligible tax-free stipend, annual recognition, on going training, and networking opportunities.

Senior Companion Services: (for clients)

	The service Senior Companions provide is free of charge to their clients.
	Clients served may be homebound adults with physical, cognitive, mental or emotional impairments, Veterans, patients recently discharged from hospitals, people living with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia, families in need of respite care, terminally ill adults, and adults living within institutions.
	Senior Companion Volunteers not only provide companionship and socialization, but also respite care for caregivers, encouragement in performing activities of daily living, recreational activities such as playing games or encouraging hobbies, light meal preparation, errands for special needs, provision of information, advocacy, reading, taking walks, visiting friends, and transporting and escorting clients to /from medical appointments.
	Two to three hours a week, working one-on-one on a regular basis, building relationships and lessening isolation.
	We currently work with 16 agencies throughout Worcester County that assign Senior Companions to their clientele.

Senior Companion Volunteers receive an array of other benefits such as:

	If income eligible, Senior Companion Volunteers may receive a non-taxable stipend of $2.65/hour. This stipend can in no way effect any other services you may receive such as housing, fuel assistance and/or social security.
	Stipend eligible volunteers receive paid personal, vacation and sick time, along with 10 paid holidays per year.
	Mean and transportation reimbursement
	Training in areas of importance to both themselves and the elders that they visit.
	The opportunity to get out and contribute to the community.
	Meet new people and make new friends.
	Stay active and involved: Studies show that being a volunteer improves people's health and longevity.
	Build Self-Confidence.
	Good feeling of being needed and showing you care.

The Worcester Area Senior Companion Program is part of the National Senior Service Corps administered and funded federally through the Corporation for National and Community Service.

If you are interested in volunteering, know someone who could benefit from the services of Senior Companion Volunteer, or would like to make a financial contribution to the Senior Companion Program please call us at (508)756-4646.

Director, Jennifer Snell
Coordinator, Kelley Watts
Program Assistant, Cathy Smith