Seeking Solutions
As part of our program, A Voice for Hope and Healing, I spoke to a group of dozens of Senior Companions that participate in a program where they go into the home of an older adult and do activities with them. This companion program has been going on for nearly 50 years and occurs throughout the country. The idea of simply being a companion to someone in their home – washing dishes, reading, playing cards, doing laundry, changing linens, etc – is a simple one, but it is also a very successful one. The individuals they serve are able to live independently longer, in part because of this companionship program. There was one woman celebrating her 97th birthday, and has had the same companion for more than 20 years!