Senior Companions:

The Senior Companion Program links volunteers age 55 and over with adults who need help with the simple tasks of day-to-day living. The program is designed to help seniors who are homebound or adults with special needs or disabilities continue living in their own homes as independently as possible.

Volunteers spend about four (4) hours, one day per week with each client, often providing respite for other caregivers. During that time, they may:

• provide transportation for errands or appointments;
• assist with simple chores and light gardening;
• assist with walking and exercise;
• assist with nutrition;
• accompany clients to senior centers or other locations for activity and social interaction;
• write letters, fill out forms, read;
• offer fellowship and friendship.

Senior Companion volunteers ordinarily contribute 15-40 hours per week and are supervised by staff in healthcare or senior service organizations.  Companion volunteers have a strong desire to provide caring assistance to adults with special needs or facing difficult circumstances.

Income-qualified volunteers may also receive the following benefits:

• Nontaxable stipend  (Note that this is not a wage and does not affect Social Security, food stamp, rent assistance or other direct benefits that a volunteer may be receiving. The stipend is currently $2.65 per hour.)
• Mileage reimbursement related to the volunteer work.
• Some meals provided while volunteering.
• Recognition events.
• Vacation
• Sick leave
• Training
• Annual health screening
• Paid holidays
• Social events
• Accident/Liability Insurance (secondary coverage only)
• Most importantly, a growing circle of friends and the opportunity to enhance the life of another adult through caring and support.

RMDC’s Senior Companion program services clients in the following counties:

• Beaverhead
• Broadwater
• Cascade
• Deer Lodge
• Gallatin
• Granite
• Jefferson
• Lewis & Clark
• Madison
• Meagher
• Park
• Powell
• Silver Bow

Senior Companions make connections with other adults and know that they are making significant contributions to the lives of people who need such assistance.

Forms and materials needed by Senior Companions themselves:

• Current timesheet
• Mileage sheet
• Monthly client activity sheet
• SCP stipend payroll calendar for 2011
• Schedule to mail your timesheets
• Senior Companion Program Policy Manual
• Payroll direct deposit authorization
• Confidentiality information
• Tax exempt memo with statute
• Volunteer insurance policy
• Annual income review form

Forms and materials needed by Senior Companion supervising stations:

• Care plan agreement
• Monthly in-kind form
• Handouts for new clients
•             Understanding Your Senior Companion Program
•             What Can a Senior Companion Do for You?

 

Call to inquire about being a Senior Companion or receiving Senior Companion assistance at (406) 447-1680.

Senior Companion Brochure. (link)

Corporation for National and Community Service Senior Corps website.