Seniors honored for helping seniors

Until Bev Hoover’s hip started disintegrating, she was ready to visit any senior in St. Maries who needed her.

She played games or read to seniors who no longer had the energy or ability to leave their homes. She drove seniors who could no longer drive to their appointments with doctors. She recruited and organized other companions so Benewah County’s seniors had the support they needed.

Hoover, who’s 80, was a dedicated Senior Companion through the Panhandle Health District. She was so dedicated that when her body quit working and she moved into Valley Vista Care full-time a year ago, Hoover continued to manage her county’s senior companion network from her bed.

“She does all the paperwork. She’s really amazing,” says Miranda Hoefert, coordinator of PHD’s Senior Companion program. “And her volunteers are so dedicated to her.”

At Schweitzer Mountain Resort this April, Hoefert recognized nearly two dozen Senior Companions in the five northern counties for their many years of service and commitment to helping keep other seniors vital.

Senior Companions are healthy older adults who help other adults live independently. They support family caregivers, assist with such jobs as grocery shopping and provide companionship. Without Senior Companions, many older adults would not be able to continue living at home.

Senior Companions are volunteers, but some who qualify based on income earn a small stipend for their time.

Hoover began volunteering in 1991 and has donated more than 4,000 hours to the program. Her husband, Larry, outfitted her with a home computer to help with the meticulous records she keeps on her group’s service. She thought she might have to give up Senior Companions after she became a Valley Vista resident, but no one would let her.

“I need it. People here need it,” Hoover says. “They say they can’t do it without me, but I couldn’t do it without my husband. He’s a doll. He does all my mailing, takes home my work and files it.”

Hoefert recognized Hoover for 20 years of service and included her husband in the honor. Hilda Dean, one of Hoover’s volunteers, won the Service Award for best attitude, reliability and service to her community.

“She’s a shining star. People call her at all hours and she’s right there for them,” Hoover says. “She puts so many hours into the program.”

Senior Companions have units in each of the five northern counties. Every county has a waiting list of people who need companions. Senior Companions are trained regularly. They receive an annual physical exam and some help with transportation costs.

For more information on the Senior Companion program, visit www.phd1.idaho.gov or call Hoefert at 208-415-5160.