Do you know an isolated and homebound elder needing companionship?
Do you worry about a frail or lonely citizen who is at risk and living alone?
Do you have an elder neighbor who could use a friendly visit several times a week?
Are you a caregiver and feeling overwhelmed with days of intense care and need a break?
WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP!!!!! The Senior Companion program assists older adults to maximize, maintain, or regain their independence. Our volunteers serve 15 to 20 hours a week visiting senior adults. Senior Companions involves elders in fun, educational, and companionable activities to improve quality of life.
Our volunteers provide companionship by talking, listening, reading, or playing games with the elder. They Foster contact with Family and Friends. They can assist with reality and general awareness. They provide grief support. They can accompany a person to a doctor, nurse, or medical appointment to provide emotional support. They encourage prescribed exercise or recreational activities, as appropriate.
Volunteers assist clients with meal planning, food preparation, labeling or organizing food and developing shopping lists. Helping to provide health and nutritional information. They will accompany the client to a nutritional meal site or out to eat.
Volunteers assist with writing letters, reading mail. filling out forms or planning a home budget. They can accompany a client when they go shopping, run errands, or arranging for home maintenance. They can assist with occasional light daily chores if the volunteer chooses.
The volunteer can provide information about community programs and eligibility of services. They are trained to bring unmet needs to the attention of Senior Companion Staff or other care providers.
ALL VISITS ARE FREE OF CHARGE!!!!! Transportation assistance is permitted under some circumstances, but is not a primary function. The transportation cost is at the clients expense.
WE DO NOT perform activities usually done by health care professionals, or provide personal care.
CALL US TODAY!
Gene L. Tobey-Community Educational Asst.
Somerset/Kennebec Counties
1-800-287-1495 / 207-474-9622
gene.tobey@maine.edu
