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Senior Companion Program
Governor
Pawlenty's Budget recommends the cut of the Senior Companion Program,
If this happens CILNM will be able to provide Companion Services
under the waivered service programs only.
- HISTORY OF THE SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM
In 1973, the Senior Companion Program was established to provide
an Opportunity for low-income, older volunteers to serve other older
persons. Now over 12,000 Senior Companion volunteers across the
country provide 12 million hours of service annually to assist more
than 37,000 frail elderly individuals live independently. The
estimated value in terms of saved nursing home costs and services
provided is more than $150 million.
In the Minnesota projects, 330 Senior Companion volunteers provide
over 344,000 hours of service each year to help over 1,700 frail
elderly individuals in their communities live independently.
PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP AND SUPPORT
The Minnesota Senior Companion Program is sponsored by Lutheran
Social Service of Minnesota and is funded by the Corporation for
National Service, the Minnesota Board on Aging and the many community agencies
it serves. it has also received special grants for a chemical
dependency component, an acute care discharge component and a
component with an HIV-AIDS focus.
WHAT IS THE SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM?
The Senior Companion Program is a service initiative through
which seniors provide assistance and friendship to other seniors
who are homebound and who usually live alone. By taking care of
simple chores, providing transportation to medical appointments and
offering contact with the outside world, Senior Companion volunteers
provide many of the services that their at-risk clients need to live independently.
Senior Companions also provide respite care to relieve live-in caregivers
for short periods of time.
Senior Companion volunteers usually serve three to six clients in
a 12 - 20 hour week. They receive a modest tax-free stipend for their service.
Other benefits include reimbursement for transportation costs and meals
during service hours, an annual physical examination and accident and
liability insurance while on duty.
VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS
Senior Companion volunteers are men and women, age 60 and over,
who are in good health. Volunteers are asked to commit to 12 - 20 hours
of service per week in order to qualify for the stipend. Compassion, patience,
flexibility and respect for others are important qualifies in a Senior Companion.
The strengths, skills and commitment of a Senior Companion can make a great
difference in the lives of the clients they serve.
VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND PROGRAM ORIENTATION
Volunteers receive 40 hours of pre-service orientation and training including
formal orientation that the program supervisor and on-site training that the
volunteer station coordinator. Regular trainings are held to provide the Senior
Companion volunteer with information connected to their assignments and their
personal welfare.
HOW TO BECOME A SENIOR COMPANION VOLUNTEER
Call the Senior Companion Program directly (toll free) at 888-205-3770,
Mar at 218-547-4626, Alicia at 218-262-6675 or Val at 218-726-4896.
Information about the program, including benefits, will be sent to you or,
additional information may be obtained at any agency which serves as a
volunteer station for the Senior Companion Program.
SENIOR COMPANIONS NEEDED FOR THIS LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE AND CENTER
FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (CILNM) COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM
CILNM in Hibbing and Duluth needs seniors, 60 or older, for Companion positions.
To be eligible seniors must have available transportation and desire to make a difference in
the lives of others.
Companions will spend 12 to 20 hours a week helping people of all ages to remain
independent in their own homes. They offer friendship and encouragement and can assist
with errands, groceries or paperwork, work on crafts, play cards and bring the outside world
in for a person who is homebound.
Benefits include a non-taxable stipend, mileage reimbursement, meal allowance, vacation
and sick benefits and more.
For more information and a rewarding opportunity, contact Mar at 218 547-4626,
Alice at 218 262-6675 or Val at 218 726-4896.
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