"SENIOR COMPANION" PROGRAM
WHAT
Seniors become companions to other seniors who are not able to get around as well as themselves.
Seniors become companions to other seniors who are not able to get around as well as themselves.
WHY
To avoid having seniors move into expensive, institutional care when small amounts of assistance would keep them at home and independent. To reduce the loneliness of home bound elderly.
To avoid having seniors move into expensive, institutional care when small amounts of assistance would keep them at home and independent. To reduce the loneliness of home bound elderly.
WHERE
Corporation for National and Community Service.
Minnesota Board of Aging United Way.
Fergus Falls Senior Citizens Program, Inc.
Corporation for National and Community Service.
Minnesota Board of Aging United Way.
Fergus Falls Senior Citizens Program, Inc.
Program Description
Senior companions assist other seniors with paying bills, grocery shopping, transportation, and medical appointments along with the comfort of a friendship.
The guidelines are specific and companions are not to perform certain tasks such as cleaning or medical related care giving.
Companions must commit to two or more clients and ten to twenty hours of service each week. Additional training every month is also required. 40 hours of training are provided through a pre-service orientation and other workshops.
Companions receive benefits such as tax-free stipends, reimbursement for transportation, meals and insurance while on duty along with the pleasure of socialization themselves.
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