By Heather Handran, Action For Eastern Montana
What is a Senior Companion?
A Senior Companion is a volunteer who provides limited help to other at-risk seniors to help keep them independent. There is no charge to the client for receiving these services from a Senior Companion. Example of services provided:
Read/Write letters, fill out forms or help with money management
Go to social events or sporting events
Provide respite care for family caregivers
Take the client shopping, lunch outings
Accompany to doctor appointments
Monitor medications (Can’t Administrate)
Assist with walking and exercise
And much more!
Here is a little history about the Senior Companion Program, in March of 1973, Congress authorized the Federal Agency Action to incorporate the Senior Companion Program under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act. The dual purpose of the program was to create part-time stipend volunteer community service opportunities for low-income people sixty years of age and older, to provide supportive person-to-person service for the elderly and other adults.
In August of 2020, the Area 1 Agency on Aging, located in Glendive, Montana, received notification from the Corporation for National and Community Services that our grant to start a Senior Companion Program was approved. The grant began September 29, 2000, and encompasses Custer, Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Phillips, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, and Valley Counties. We also have the Fort Peck Tribes. In 2023 we have expanded to Fallon County. This program will work with other area agencies such as County Health Departments, Hospice, Senior Centers, and Tribal Services to provide up to clients with services that will enhance their quality of life while assisting them to maintain their independence and therefore prevent the institutionalization of our community.
In 2023 we have about 28 Senior Companions in 14 counties, and we are averaging about 50 clients in these counties.
A Senior Companion must be 55 years or older and meet the income guidelines for the Federal Grant. The Senior Companion must pass three background checks, National Sex Offender, A Montana State Felony Background check, and an FBI fingerprint check. The Senior Companion receive a stipend of $4.00 for every hour they volunteer with mileage reimbursement at the federal rate and encourage them and clients to receive healthy meals. The stipend is not considered income and will not affect the volunteer from receiving any other federal, state, or local services or programs.
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 care for caregivers. They assist their clients in basic ways such as offering companionship and friendship to isolated and frail adults.
Any questions or if you want to be a Senior Companion please contact Toni Goroski, Senior Companion Program Coordinator at Action for Eastern Montana, 406-377-4564 or [email protected].
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