|
senior companion program
The Senior Companion Program, one of only six in Ohio, provides an avenue for income-eligible seniors to earn a modest tax-exempt stipend. They volunteer 20 hours each week in the homes of the elderly writing letters, preparing meals, assisting with light house work, and other tasks as needed. This program is provided in Portage, Summit and Stark counties.
The Senior Companion Program has a three-fold purpose:
- To offer companionship and day-to-day assistance to older adults in need, with the goal of improving their quality of life, and helping them to stay in their homes.
- To enrich the lives of the Senior Companion volunteers who lend their hearts and hands to others.
To strengthen your community as the program establishes partnerships in achieving its goals.
Eligibilty
Volunteers must:
- Be 60 years of age or older
- Be willing to volunteer 20 hours per week in the homes of one to three older adults
- Meet income guidelines
- Contact our staff to recieve more information on this
- You may subtract medical expenses up to 15% of guidelines
There is no income guideline for clients, and services are free
Benefits for the Community
- Clients will be able to stay in their homes. This is cost-effective care.
- Agencies or organizations that act as Volunteer Stations receive practical assistance in and benefit from greater community awareness of their services.
- The program serves as a valuable local resource for anyone who supports the needs of healthy or more frail seniors.
- Your community is strengthened as a result of this collaboration.
Benefits for Senior Companions
- Personal satisfaction gained from helping people in need
- Non-taxable stipend
- Transportation reimbursement
- Meal cost reimbursement, when appropriate
- Free annual health assessment
- Accident and personal liability insurance; excess auto liability insurance, if applicable
- Paid vacation/holiday/sick leave
- Training and support
- Recognition
- Friendships and fun
|
