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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