Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) is searching for individuals to participate in its Senior Companion Program after experiencing a recent decline in volunteer numbers. “We’ve seen a relatively drastic drop in senior companions throughout southwestern Vermont, with the greatest shortage coming in Bennington County,” said Aaron Brush, Volunteer, Senior Companion and Caregiver Coordinator with SVCOA. “The Senior Companion program is a terrific opportunity for individuals to provide companionship to older Vermonters in their communities while also receiving various benefits for their service.”
The Vermont Senior Companion Program matches volunteers age 55 and up with older Vermonters who need general companionship, as well as assistance with basic errands such as shopping and getting to appointments, among other activities.
Eligible senior companions receive an hourly, non-taxable stipend, mileage reimbursement, monthly training opportunities, supplemental liability insurance, and paid holiday, sick and vacation time. Earnings from the program do not impact any Social Security Income or public benefits a senior companion may be receiving.
“The goal of the program is to help keep older Vermonters in their own homes as long as possible, prevent loneliness and isolation, and give time off to family caregivers,” said Brush. “It’s a great initiative that is not only extremely beneficial to elders across Vermont, but also very rewarding to senior companions.”
In addition to being age 55 or older, prospective senior companions must meet the program’s income eligibility guidelines, and all participants are asked to serve a minimum of 15 hours per week, excluding during paid leave or holidays.
Individuals who do not qualify for the Vermont Senior Companion Program can still support the older Vermonters in their area by serving as a general, unpaid SVCOA volunteer.
For more information or to sign up to become a senior companion or SVCOA volunteer, contact Aaron Brush at 802-772-7835 or[email protected].
About SVCOA
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging exists tobe a community force in creating and sustaining opportunities for elders and caregivers in our region to help assure that elders are able to maintain maximum independence and quality of life.
Source: Southwestern Vermont Council on Agingwww.svcoa.org.