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Senior Companion program helpful to participants and volunteers By Cindy Broome For Coastal Senior  Dora Wright and Gladys Foard sat at a dining room table in Wright's house talking one warm September day about Wright's favorite soap opera, "The Young and the Restless." They often discuss what's on television, including increasing news coverage of the presidential political campaigns.And who's going to win? "Gore," says Wright. "He knows more than, I think, Bush to a certain extent. Bush seems like he's a new kid on the block." She wonders how much of his success is because of his father, though concedes that she doesn't know his record as governor of Texas. And who does Foard want to win? "Gore, because I'm a Democrat. If Bush was a Democrat, I'd vote for him." The two women talk easily, laughing and teasing, like they've been friends for years. But they just met in June when Foard became a senior companion with Senior Citizens Inc. and began visiting Wright twice a week to help with chores. "Our program basically assists homebound seniors who are in need," says Kim Davis, project coordinator for the Senior Companion Program, one of several programs offered by Senior Citizens Inc., a local nonprofit agency. The local program has been in place for about 25 years. It falls under the umbrella organization, the National Senior Service Corps. This network of seniors nationwide uses seniors' talents in programs such as Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Most of the local program's funding comes from the Senior Service Corps. The program is free for eligible seniors. "Our program is here to delay institutionalization - this is why we work as hard as we do to get clients eligible for our services," Davis says. The program has about 70 companions who serve approximately 500 clients, including those who use facilities such as the senior day care center. "That's our initial goal here: to keep our seniors as independent as possible." Companions - who must meet minimum income requirements - receive a stipend of about $250 per month in exchange for 20 hours a week, assisting frail seniors. Their travel expenses are also covered. It is a case of seniors helping seniors - and it appears to be a win-win situation for all involved. Wright, who is visually impaired and has multiple sclerosis, is in a wheelchair. She needs assistance with household chores. "My senior companion right now is very good. She cleans, she washes, she cooks a light breakfast," she says. Wright worked at St. Joseph's Hospital several years ago. When she first began getting sick, she thought at first it was arthritis. She left St. Joseph's in 1985. Foard, who retired in 1993 after 22 years at Georgia Regional Hospital, also spends time helping her aunt who needs help with household tasks. And she helps her sister, who had a stroke, around her house. One day after reading about the Senior Companion Program, she thought she could help other people as well. "I was sitting at home getting bored, and I found out about this program. I'm just not going to sleep all day like Rip Van Winkle." What does she like about being a senior companion? "Mostly conversation. When I'm home, there's no one to talk to, except myself." She does that occasionally, too, she says, prompting laughter from Wright, who admits she sometimes does the same thing. Foard visits Wright on Mondays and Tuesdays for five hours each day. She prepares her breakfast, takes out the trash, cleans up the kitchen, makes up the bed, if needed, and does some light dusting. Foard has another client, also, which helps her fulfill her 20-hour a week obligation. Senior companions are in demand. "We have to take into consideration the waiting list," Davis says of people trying to get into the program. Current clients are rotated off the program to accommodate those waiting - a difficult job, she says, because many getting help really cannot get along without it. "Everybody who has our services really needs our services." In early September, approximately 150-200 people were on the waiting list. With more companions, the program can serve more clients. "Our need is great and we need more companions," says Davis. Potential companions fill out an application. Davis and staff review it and determine whether they meet the guidelines. Prospective companions then attend a training session. Foard suggests that anyone who wants to be a companion needs to be sure they have the time to commit to it. "If you're looking for something to do, I think it's a good idea. If you get along with the person, it's just like visiting a friend." Wright adds that the companion should like people and the person they're assigned to since they'll be working closely with them. "We've seen wonderful, wonderful results with our program," says Davis. "It makes me feel real good because I know I'm doing something that's beneficial to other people." |
Sr. Citizens, Inc. News Center Eagle Village Azalealand Jackson Park Oglethorpe Marble |