Be a friend, support an older adult as Senior Companion

As the COVID 19 pandemic is finally coming to an end, we can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. Businesses are fully open; visitors are coming back to our community and people are just excited to live life again. However, our community still has some critical needs.

Many of our neighbors are experiencing isolation and loneliness due to the long-term quarantine period and struggling with declining health and mobility issues. We are fortunate to live in a community where our neighbors are like family, and this is where individuals can help by becoming a Senior Companion.

Senior Companions offer older adults and adults with disabilities friendship, making their lives less lonely and helping them live independently. They help with important tasks, encouragement to stay active and awareness when extra care is needed by making weekly visits at no cost to their clients. Their activities include: providing companionship; talking, listening, playing games or cards; going to social events; driving to appointments; helping with errands; assisting with grocery shopping; going to lunch; helping with light chores; gardening; helping with food preparation; going to salon appointments; and help gaining resources. In short, being a caring, supportive person in an older adult's life. Senior Companions can also help caregivers by giving them the chance to take a break and take care of their own needs. The unique activities of each Senior Companion are specifically tailored to their client's needs.

Senior Companions are Missoula Aging Services volunteers and are part of the national AmeriCorps Seniors program. They must be age 55 or older and be income eligible. Senior Companion volunteers receive a small tax-free hourly stipend as reimbursement.

If you would like to become a Senior Companion or have a Senior Companion in your life please contact me, Linda Howard, Seeley-Swan Resource Specialist 406 541-7688. My office is now fully open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Seeley Lake Community Foundation Building (the old quilt shop) 3150 Highway 83.

I have volunteer applications and am happy to talk with you more about the Senior Companion Program. I will also connect you with Laura Degele, Missoula Aging Services' Volunteer Service Supervisor, who can help you begin serving your neighbors.

I look forward to seeing you all soon!

The very best of health to you, Linda