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Friday, August 23, 2013

Senior Companion Program

Senior Companion Program Position Available

The Senior Companion Program pairs healthy older adults with frail senior citizens or disabled adults to help them live independently in their homes.  Senior Companions provide companionship to isolated/lonely adults and support to overwhelmed caregivers through vital respite.  Without this support, many seniors and their families would be forced to consider early nursing care placement. Although there are home health agencies who provide skilled nursing care services to home-bound elderly adults, this program is designed for direct client contact to provide caring companionship to isolated adult. 

The eligibility requirements to be a Senior Companion Volunteer is 55 years and older and an annual income below $1,115 per month or 200% below poverty.  Upon acceptance to the program, the volunteer receives 40 hours of training which enables them to begin working 20-40 hours per week. 
 
A non-taxable stipend of $2.65/hour,.35 mileage reimbursement and $2.00 meal reimbursement are some of the benefits provided to the volunteer. The program was developed to assist low-income volunteers as well as clients who benefit from their services.  Senior Companions provide companionship to isolated/lonely adults and support to overwhelmed caregivers with respite.  The one on one interaction received from the volunteer is vital to a lonely individual and can only be addressed through a caring friend who visits on a weekly basis. They become part of a team of caregivers.  Isolation, especially in rural communities, is a major concern when working with frail, homebound seniors and disabled adults.
 
For more information about the position or for help for you or your loved ones contact Debra Smith at debras@brag.utah.gov

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