Senior Companion Program PCOA’s Senior Companion Program Indelibly Touched the Hearts and
Lives of Older Adults! By Deb Seng , Caregiving and Community Initiatives Director Since 1974, the Senior Companion Program has helped isolated older adults, throughout the United States, remain safe and independent at home for as long as possible by providing friendly visits, assistance with daily tasks, and caregiver relief. An AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer program, PCOA sponsored Senior Companions in Pima County from July 2018 until June 2024. In recent weeks, we bid a deeply grateful (and sincerely sad!) farewell to our Senior Companion Volunteers and partners.
• Southern Arizona Veterans Health Care, Volunteer Visitor Program • St. Luke’s Home • Tohono O’odham Nation, Senior Services • Community Services System at PCOA • Family Caregiver Support Program at PCOA
individuals, families, and our community. PCOA was privileged to be a small part of their journeys to make a difference—and their impact is still felt! To all of our former Senior Companion Volunteers and our partners in Pima County—thank you! Thank you for living your life in service to others! And for bettering us here at PCOA. We miss you. While PCOA no longer sponsors the Senior Companion Program, we recognize the importance of volunteerism and neighbors helping neighbors. We proudly offer opportunities for people to engage, connect, and serve, both with PCOA and its affiliates, and as part of our Neighbors Care Alliance. To learn more, visit our website at: https:// pcoa.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer/ or call our Helpline at (520) 790-7262.
Since 2018, when the Senior Companion Program began at PCOA, more than 300 older adults and their loved ones have received meaningful and critical assistance to remain socially engaged and safely at home—even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Clients benefitted from the more than 70,000 service hours provided to them at no cost! And as a result of their Senior Companions, clients overwhelmingly reported an improvement in their quality of life and independence! National Service Volunteers (in programs like the Senior Companion Program) have also been shown to manifest improved physical and mental health because of the purpose and social connection they derive from volunteering for others. Of the approximately 30 volunteers who served as Senior Companions with PCOA, a large number went on to participate in other volunteer and employment opportunities focused on bettering the lives of
PCOA’s Senior Companions served clients of partner agencies who provided (and continue to provide) a wide range of supports and services to older adults and adults with disabilities. These partners are unsung heroes who supported Senior Companion Volunteers on top of their daily work responsibilities. And they did so with compassion, wisdom, and dedication! PCOA recognizes and honors the support provided by the staff and administration at the following partners: • Jewish Community Center • Jewish Family and Children’s Services • Lutheran Social Services • Pascau Yaqui Tribe, Senior Services
July/August 2024, Never Too Late | Page 21
Pima Council on Aging
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