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Back to Services for Volunteer Opportunities
 For
a frail elderly person, a Senior Companion may be the difference
between self-reliance and mere survival. With the help of volunteer
companions, who are themselves senior citizens, older people with
physical and emotional needs receive extra care so they can remain
independent in their own homes and stay out of nursing homes.
Services are provided at no charge.
Who
is eligible for companion services
Selected
community organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association (Dallas
Chapter), Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Parkland Memorial
Hospital, refer clients to the Senior Companion Program. Our staff,
in cooperation with these organizations, is responsible for the
training, placement and supervision of the Senior Companions. Contact
the Director of the Senior Companion Program for information on
making referrals to this program. Self referrals are not accepted.
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How
Senior Companions help
Senior
Companions serve 20 hours a week in the homes of one or two frail
elderly clients. They provide assistance in a number of areas including:
- Socialization
- Providing companionship; talking and listening; offering
peer counseling.
- Escort
services - Accompanying clients to doctor or medical appointments
or to recreational and social events.
- Support
care - Exploring community services; communicating client
needs to program staff; assisting with respite care.
- Personal
care - Assisting with grooming, eating and exercising.
- Home
management - Helping with light housekeeping/meal preparation.
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Statements
from two of our clients
1.
The following excerpt is taken from a letter written by the adult
child about one of our clients. "My concerns and worries are
lessened because I know Ms. L is my eyes and ears when I'm not there.
She is always on top of all situations and calls to advise me of
things that I should know about. This is such a relief when you
have a loved one with such a horrible disease as Alzheimer's. Knowing
that someone is around to speak up for them and look after their
needs as they would their own, is such a good feeling.
Ms. L is so
full of energy and is always suggesting new ideas for Mother's care.
To have a caregiver that is really concerned and interested in the
welfare of someone not related to her is just remarkable. Ms. L
accompanies Mother to her doctor's visits when I cannot go, listens
to what is being discussed, offers her input, and sees that she
gets back home."
2. This is another
statement from a caregiver whose husband receives care from a Senior
Companion. "Under this program I now have the freedom to make
necessary doctor's appointments and know I can keep them. This has
greatly reduce my overall stress level, allowing me to be more personable,
presentable, and in a better frame of mind while caring for J. J
has the dignity and love of a super companion, allowing each of
us to live a good and productive life at home. "
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Who
can become a Senior Companion
The Senior Companion Program is open to individuals 60+ years. Senior
Companions with low incomes ($1,020 a month for a one person household;
$1,375 for a two person household; for other household sizes contact
the Senior Companion Director) receive a stipend of $2.65 an hour.
The stipend is not regarded as income and does not affect other
benefits or assistance the senior companions may receive. All volunteers
serve 20 hours a week.
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Become
a Senior Companion
Please
Contact the Senior Companion Program Director at 214.823.5700 or
email.
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Stipend
and other benefits for Senior Companions
Senior Companions with low incomes ($1,020
a month for a one person
household;
$1,375
for a two person household; for other household
sizes contact the Program Director) receive a stipend of $2.65 an
hour. The stipend is not regarded as income and does not affect
other benefits or assistance the companions may receive. All Senior
Companions receive assistance with meals, an annual physical evaluation,
transportation allowances, accident insurance and recognition.
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Training
that we provide
Senior Companions receive 40 hours of training prior to placement,
five additional hours of in-service training monthly and supportive,
ongoing training from our staff.
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Number of people served in 2006
In
2006,
100 senior companions received financial assistance, social support,
and an important societal role while providing home care, 10-40
hours per week to 108 frail elderly including Alzheimer's patients,
stroke victims, and cancer patients, thereby allowing them to stay
in their own homes and out of institutions.
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Major
funders of this program ($5000+)
- Corporation for National and
Community Service
- The
Meadows Foundation
- Spirit
of Generations Awards Luncheon
- United
Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Inc.
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For
more information
Please
contact the Senior Companion Director at 214.823.5700 or email.
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