Sioux Empire United Way - Agency Success Stories

Friends at First Sight
Agency: Senior Companions Program: Senior Companions Service: Helps older individuals maintain their independence and remain in their own homes. Low-income volunteers over the age of 60 provide in-home care to clients in return for stipends and modest wages. Need: South Dakota’s population of 65+ is above 13%. Nearly 40% of the 65+ group have some form of disability. Over 20% of the 60+ group need some help or support to complete tasks such as meal preparation, grocery shopping, doing household chores, etc. 80% of Alzheimer’s caregivers suffer from high levels of stress and nearly half struggle with depression. Impact: In 2007 50 volunteers provided services to 364 clients. Over 38,000 hours of service were provided, helping with daily tasks. This allows older adults to be able to continue living at home, independently. Caregivers are provided respite, reducing their stress levels and placement in a long term care facility is delayed.	Loneliness, having a disability, and growing older often times can lead to unhappiness. But when you add a Senior Companion into the mix, things start to look a little brighter. “We were friends at first sight,” said Hannah of her Senior Companion. “I don’t know what I would do without her.” Senior Companions are healthy older adults that help other older adults live independently. At no cost to the clients, they assist with grocery shopping and other daily tasks necessary to maintain independence and provide support to family caregivers. Without the help of Senior Companions, many older adults would not be able to continue living at home. “I could write volumes about each of my clients,” said Kathryn, Hannah’s Companion. “They give me so much.” “The uniqueness of the program is that the volunteers are 60 and older and can better relate to the homebound. They are at the same place in their lives and their clients appreciate that,” said Senior Companion Director Jim Holiway. Most Senior Companions have 5-7 clients and volunteer approximately 20 hours a week, but Kathryn has nine clients and volunteers nearly 40 hours and she wishes she could do more. “When I’m down she can tell, she always says the perfect thing,” said Kathryn. “I’m supposed to be helping her and she makes my day.” The Senior Companions are on a limited income and benefit from a tax free stipend as well as the meaningful community service. In 2007, 50 older adults volunteered their assistance through Senior Companions thanks to funds from Sioux Empire United Way. Providing companionship to people like Hannah, “Everyday, when I see the sun I thank God for opening my eyes this morning. Because I know I have someone who cares.”
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