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Program to resume

By Community Action Program - Belknap-Merrimack Counties Inc. | Jul 10, 2021

Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties Inc. (CAPBMCI), the sponsor of the Senior Companion Program of New Hampshire, is excited to announce that Senior Companion Program volunteers have resumed community-based services. The mission of the Senior Companion Program and CAPBMCI is to provide the opportunity for meaningful relationships for senior companions and their visitees. Through the Senior Companion Program, talented, active individuals, age 55 and older serve as volunteers providing companionship to homebound adults.

The primary purpose of the Senior Companion Program is to help isolated seniors develop relationships which encourage independence and help improve the quality of their lives. This free, federally funded program is designed for older adults ages 55 and older who may be isolated due to physical or emotional ailments.

“You came into our lives at the perfect moment. Not only did you bring sunshine and friendship into Grandma’s life, but you also shed it into my life. You have given such love and kindness to all of us. We have missed you terribly the past few months, and cannot wait to see you again!”

The senior companion program is looking for caring, healthy and enthusiastic people to look in on some of the isolated elderly in our neighborhoods. If you are age 55, have a limited income, and can volunteer 10 hours weekly you might want to consider becoming that committed individual who will visit with two to five people in the community each week. In addition to the wonderful feeling you will get from helping others, the program also provides a non-taxable stipend. The non-taxable stipend means money that cannot be weighed against subsidized housing, food stamps or other government subsidies. Other benefits of being a senior companion volunteer include: mileage, training, personal days, secondary insurance coverage, and recognition.

Cathy, program participant for over two years, happily exclaimed, “Without Pat (Senior Companion), I would have nobody. She is a good friend and I look forward to her visits each week.” Additionally, Senior Companions give family caregivers peace of mind, and a much-needed break. “He is a Godsend,” says Lorraine receiving respite for her husband. “Richard (Senior Companion) helps me in so many ways.” Lorraine’s husband has had a Senior Companion for over two years. She reports that visits allow her time to get things done, making family visits more enjoyable and less stressful.

Becoming a senior companion is easy. Just call the offices of the senior companion program at 603-225-3295.

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