Senior Companion Program Now Offered in Seeley-Swan Area

SEELEY LAKE - The Missoula Aging Services (MAS) Seeley-Swan Resource Center now offers a volunteer program for adults age 55 and older who would like to give a helping hand to other area residents and earn a small tax free stipend to help with expenses.

“Senior Companions add such a wonderful dimension in terms of respite, friendship, fun outings, fishing trips, mail retrieval, help getting to appointments and more,” said Linda Howard, Seeley-Swan Resource Specialist. “They provide a vital link in helping people remain in their homes as independent individuals as long as possible.”

“When you reach out to help you never can tell what amazing things can happen,” Howard continues. “One client/companion relationship that has developed resulted in the client receiving Meals on Wheels, getting out with her companion to attend group meals once a week, applying for Medicare Part B and Medicaid, getting needed medical attention and gaining a caring, kind, compassionate friend – priceless!”

Howard staffs the MAS Seeley-Swan office which opened in the Bison Bear Center last fall. Since January she has recruited one Senior Companion who now has four clients. She would like to place five more.

Howard said in order for the older residents of Seeley-Swan to remain in their homes and thrive – not be isolated – it is imperative to locate, train and compensate a healthy care giving companion community. Senior Companions are part of that community.

The Senior Companion program, one of three national Senior Corps programs administered by MAS, can assist with a small monthly tax free stipend to help cover expenses. Volunteers devote 15 hours a week to serving several clients who are older adults or adults with disabilities. They also receive reimbursement for mileage, free excess insurance while volunteering and ongoing training from Howard and other staff at MAS.

Howard is also recruiting for Caring Companion volunteers, who are adults over age 18 and enjoy providing companionship to older adults.

If you live in this area and are interested in lending a hand to your older neighbors as a Senior Companion or Caring Companion volunteer, please call Howard at 406-541-7688. She can also be reached via email at lhoward@missoulaagingservices.org.