Helping Others Live Independently
by Becky Telin, Senior Companion Statewide Director Posted on 12/25/2009
AGING…we are all aging…it is part of life. Aging is a series of losses - loss of sight, loss of mobility, loss of independence, and the list goes on and on.
Health reform must address real family needs and cannot forget to help those who are most frail or have serious disabilities.
The Senior Companion Program of Lutheran Social Services can assist the elderly to remain independent in their own homes and make the transitions of aging less frightening. The program engages healthy seniors 55 year or older that meet income eligibility guidelines in providing services to older adults that are at risk for skilled nursing care.
They provide companionship, light housekeeping, light meal preparation and respite care to primary caregivers giving them a chance to take a break. There is no charge or cost to the client for this service. Not only do the elderly clients benefit from the program by staying longer in their homes and enjoying a better quality of life, but the Senior Companion Volunteers also benefit from the Program, receiving a small tax-free stipend and reimbursement for transportation to off-set the cost of volunteering.
Through their assistance and friendship, Senior Companions help others live independently in their homes rather than having to move to expensive, institutional care. They offer contact with the outside world and help make the lives of the people they serve less lonely. For many Companions, their visits give them the activity and energy they need to handle their own aging.
The Senior Companion Program is serving seniors in the local area. With the gracious financial support from Souris Valley United Way we are able to pay some of the mileage expense the companions have when traveling to provide visits/companionship to our aging family members.
As we consider how to craft health reforms that will best meet the needs of America's families, we must not forget to address the growing long-term care crisis. Families go bankrupt every day trying to pay for these services and too many of our parents and grandparents go into expensive nursing homes prematurely because home and community care is not available.
Health reform must not ignore the primary unmet care need of frail seniors and people with disabilities. Family caregivers, many who miss work struggling to care for loved ones, also need help.
Senior Companions help others live independently in their homes rather than having to move to expensive, institutional care and continues to support this group in our community.
