Senior Companions do what friends do for friends

Can you help?

 You have the experience, wisdom, and know how to make a difference in your community.  The Senior Companion Program (SCP) of NW MN, needs your help.  We will match you with seniors who are in need of assistance to remain living in their own homes - right here in Polk, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Kittson, and Roseau Counties.  You can help by giving anywhere from 15 to 40 hours a week.  Through your gifts of time and friendship, you can share something very special - yourself.  Call us at 1-800-584-7020 or 218-281-5832.

 Who can become a Senior Companion?

• Be age 55 or over
• Be willing to volunteer 15 - 40 hours each week
• Have reliable transportation or willing to use bus service
• Those who love to help their neighbors

 Your Benefits

• Tax-free stipend;
• Reimbursement for transportation;
• Meal allowance;
• Pre-service and monthly training sessions;
• An annual physical;
• Accident and liability insurance while on duty; and
• Friendships

Those you Help Benefits

• Assistance with important daily tasks;
• Encouragement to remain active;
• A helping hand to make sure they take their medicine;
• A watchful eye to notice when they need extra care; and
• A friendship that can last a lifetime.

SCP -
Responding to the needs of seniors

The Senior Companion Program (SCP), founded in the 1960's, is a program that provides opportunities for volunteers to work with one of our most valuable resources - today's seniors.  One Senior Companion states, "it is a two-sided procedure.  Naturally the primary purpose is to help those who need assistance, those who are cooped up indoors or even unable to drive.  I certainly look forward to seeing my clients and I know they look forward to seeing me. But how has SCP changed my life?  A great deal.  Prior to becoming a Senior Companion volunteer, I sat in the living room and stared out the window.  I had no incentive to do much of anything.  Now I am busy three and four days a week.  I look forward to seeing each of my clients.  I feel useful and needed, whether it is just sitting there chatting, playing games, eating out, or taking them to a doctors appointment.  Each client is different, each has a different need, and I am flexible enough to adjust to their needs.  I learn new games, listen to their problems, and reminisce.  I have empathy with their medical situations and adjust to their mental capabilities.  It is a wonderful feeling to relate to others.  It is a win-win situation for all involved."

This is a sample of the activities you might do as a Senior Companion:

• Help with errands;

• Respite;

• Letter writing, visiting;

• Help people become less lonely;

• Transportation to grocery store, Dr. Appointments; and

• Many other activities.

Who is eligible for Companion Services?

Clients are referred to the Senior Companion Program via Public Health agencies, Social Service Agencies, family members, Area Agency on Aging, area clinics and hospitals.  Some clients refer themselves for services.  If you or know someone who is in need of a Senior Companion please contact your Social Service Agency or Public Health Agency, or us directly at our office: 1-800-584-7020 or 218-281-5832 and we will assist you in obtaining the information needed to begin receiving services.  You may also email us: Jeanette@tvoc.org or Heidi@tvoc.org

The Senior Companion Program of NW MN is sponsored by Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. 

The Senior Companion Program is funded by the Corporation of National and Community Service, and MN Board on Aging.

The Senior Companion Program is part of the Minnesota Senior Corps.

Tri-Valley is an Affirmative Action / Americans with Disabilities / Equal Opportunity Corporation.

Call 711 or  1-800-627-3529 for the Minnesota Relay Telecommunication Service.

©2007 Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.