Senior Companion Program: a win-win for givers and receivers

By Beth Ranagan

The loss of independence due to the inability to drive anymore is a serious concern of many seniors. There are few alternatives available to them due to the lack of public transportation in many areas. Family members often live too far away to help. If you are an elderly person in a rural area, this situation can result in isolation and loneliness, which, studies have shown, can seriously affect mental and physical health. The need for socialization, recreation and friendship is very important as we age.

So, it is good to know that the Senior Companion Program, a part of the University of Maine’s Center on Aging, is available to help homebound elders and other isolated adults improve social and recreational contact, form new friendships, help with minor transportation needs, and assist with small tasks. Volunteer companions are the friendly faces needed in such situations. Fortunately, this service is free for people of all income levels.

Gail Watson, senior companion program coordinator for Piscataquis and Somerset counties, sat down to speak with me recently about the requirements to become a companion volunteer. A senior companion must be 55 years of age or older, in good health, drive his or her own car, and be considered as having a low income. Most often, volunteers receive Social Security, SSI and are retired.

“Our volunteers are interested in helping others and enjoy the friendships that come as a result of their work,” Watson commented. The interest in volunteering arises following retirement when fulfilling a purpose, making new friends, and helping others become important. Being out with people and helping others has been found to foster good mental and physical health.

Jane Neptune, a senior companion, said, “Being a volunteer with the Senior Companion Program has helped to enrich my life. I have made new friends, and I look forward to spending time with them.” Senior companions visit several homebound individuals for a total of 15 or more hours per week helping others as they help themselves.

“There are many practical benefits for a volunteer,” Watson explained. Senior companions receive a tax-free “volunteer” stipend that does not affect eligibility for government benefits such as, food stamps, SSI and subsidized housing. There is mileage reimbursement to help with volunteer transportation expenses. A senior companion earns paid vacation, sick and holiday time and receives supplemental accident and liability insurance.

Each month, senior companion volunteers participate in a paid monthly training at a centralized location. The four-hour event allows volunteers time to meet other volunteers, socialize and acquire as well as share information and techniques to help their clients.

Senior companions and their clients can go shopping, out for lunch or to other community activities together. They can play cards, games, reminisce or take a walk. A client may need assistance from a volunteer with writing letters, reading mail, filling out forms or planning a home budget. Activities can be as varied as the activities of life itself. It’s about fun, friendship, and, sometimes education.

Watson reported, “Family members of elders receiving senior companion services have reported the companionship as a life- changing experience for their loved ones.” Mrs. King, a recipient of the program, reported, “The Senior Companion Program has given me an opportunity to enjoy my community more and a feeling of freedom. Just having someone to talk to breaks up the monotony of being alone all the time.”

On Wednesday, March 23 at 2 p.m. at the Abbott Memorial Library in Dexter, Gail Watson will present more information for those wanting to become a senior companion volunteer and for family members and friends of folks in need of a companion. Experienced senior companion Ed Morrissey will be there to speak of his experience as a volunteer.

If you are unable to attend, you can call Watson toll-free at 1-800-287-1495 to make an appointment to meet with her. If you are a Penobscot County resident, she can also inform you about the Senior Companion Program as it exists in that county either at the March 23 meeting or on the telephone. To pre-register for this presentation on March 23, call Liz Breault at the Abbott Memorial Library at 924-7292.. Walk-ins are also welcome. Light refreshments will be served.