Seniors companions offer comfort and friendship

Today it's reading. Tomorrow it's card playing, and next week it could be a quick fishing trip. This is all part of Dennis Robertson's daily routine that he shares as a Gentleman's Senior Companion. His service with Panhandle Health District Senior Companion Program is honorary in his eyes, a privilege to share time with these amazing seniors. "I provide respite for the full-time caregiver, usually the wife, allowing her a break from the daily, constant care of her loved one," Robertson said. "She is then free for up to 4 hours to take care of herself and her needs without concern for her mate's safety or care."

Robertson cares for a parent that has Alzheimer's, yet still finds time to serve 5 clients each week. "Dennis has been volunteering for 4 years and is very patient and works well with those that have memory loss," Miranda Hoefert, Panhandle Health District Senior Companion Volunteer Services Coordinator, said. This theme rings universal with all the Senior Companion volunteers and their reward comes in the form of simple gratitude several times a week.

Bob Allen is a proud Marine Corps. and Navy veteran. He read a bulletin in his apartment community room about the Senior Companions program and called to see if there were any veterans that he could assist. "Each week, I pick up two fellows and we head out to the VFW for free coffee and doughnuts," Allen said. "On another day, I watch sports with a gentleman who had suffered a stroke. We happen to be from the same area in Illinois. We are both Chicago Bears and Cubs fans. You never know who you are going to meet."

"I am a people person and enjoy meeting people," states Allen, who has been volunteering for 8 years. He gives 17 hours of his time each week to his clients, who are really his friends.

"Bob enjoys sharing past stories and jokes," Hoefert said. "He takes pride in knowing all the local resources available for them."

Sue Robinson and her husband began with the Senior Companion Program in Kellogg 19 years ago. Eventually, her husband became too ill to continue, but this didn't stop Sue from giving back. After moving to Post Falls, the Senior Companion Program gave her the opportunity to meet new people. "Volunteering is rewarding. It makes me feel good to visit, shop or go for a drive together with someone that needs a little help. I hope that someday someone will do this for me if I need help," reflects Robinson.

Hoefert states, "Robinson is a gentle soul and is always willing to help out with anything. She currently serves four clients in our community, giving approximately 30 hours each week."

Jan Broxen completes this volunteer lineup. A career mental health and drug counselor, and a psychology professor, she decided to take a break from writing columns and teaching college to lead the Senior Companion volunteers in Kootenai County. Under the direction of Hoefert, "She directly assists me with home visits of potential clients, placement of volunteers, and keeps connected with the people on our waiting list so they people know we are still thinking about them and still actively seeking a companion for them.

"I met Miranda and we just clicked," Broxen said. "Volunteering with the program has opened my eyes to life and the reality of death. Life is precious and you need to enjoy it while you can ... every minute counts." Broxen's experience in her field has allowed her to carefully evaluate personalities that fit together well. After just over a year, she is serving eight clients. "Sometimes jobs don't give payback immediately, but when volunteering with Senior Companions, you get it every day. It's wonderful!"

The Senior Companion Program (SCP), which began in 1974, helps frail seniors and other adults maintain independence primarily in the clients' own homes. Senior Companions serve between 15 and 40 hours a week and typically serve between two and four clients. Among other activities, they assist with daily living tasks, such as grocery shopping and bill paying; provide friendship and companionship; alert doctors and family members to potential problems, and provide respite to family caregivers.

Senior Corps Week 2013 is May 6-10. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, we recognize the wisdom and character of the extraordinary seniors - our parents, our grandparents, neighbors and friends - 330,000 Americans, age 55 and over, who have served 12.2 million hours in our communities annually. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Senior Companion Program serves 60,940 clients and gives respite to 7900 caregivers each year.

Please thank a senior today!

For more information on volunteering for Senior Companions, call Miranda Hoefert at (208) 415-5160.

Volunteer Opportunity

Idaho Youth Ranch is looking for a distribution center volunteer.

A few hours a week will help kids who suffer from abuse, neglect, or addiction get the help they need to discover a promising future.

The Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Stores provide the funding for Idaho Youth Ranch programs, like Anchor House in Coeur d'Alene. As a volunteer in an Idaho Youth Ranch distribution center, you may be asked to straighten merchandise displays on the sales floor, clean and/or test merchandise, prepare clothing to fill the soft line racks, receive donations, and most importantly contribute to our great customer service by providing a greeting and offering assistance to our customers and donors.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, pass a background check, be able to work independently, and be able to discern colors. Availability needed: Mondays-Saturdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m.