Volunteer visitors needed for Senior Companion Program

Senior Companion volunteers offer support to neighbors when family members and friends cannot be there to help.

“Compassion, patience, flexibility and respect for others are important qualities in a Senior Companion,” said Koochiching Aging Options Program Specialist Leslee Loop, who is the site coordinator of the Senior Companion Program in Koochiching County.

“The strengths, skills and commitment of a Senior Companion can make a great difference in the lives of the clients they serve,” she added.

Senior Companions offer their friendship and support by:

• Providing a stable and regular presence

• Listening and offering encouragement to clients

• Assisting with personal errands, correspondence, etc.

• Visiting people who might otherwise be isolated

• Providing a vital resource to those they visit and to the community.

Volunteers are men and women age 55 and over who are in good health. They are asked to commit 15 to 20 hours of service per week.

Besides making an impact on the lives of others, a number of other benefits are offered to the volunteers, according to Loop. These include a non-taxable hourly stipend, transportation reimbursement, insurance while volunteering, and on-going training and recognition.

“I know of no other program as effective in helping seniors to stay healthy and in their homes longer,” said RaNae Whitbeck, adult services social worker with Koochiching County Community Services.

The Senior Companion Program is regulated by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Minnesota Board on Aging and is sponsored by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

Those interested in becoming a Senior Companion should call LSS toll free at 1-888-205-3770 or Koochiching Aging Options, 283-7030.