By Jeff Ficker
For some Tucson senior citizens, retirement can be lonely - the kids have moved out, a spouse may have died and health problems become a greater concern.
However, one Tucson program hopes to change that.
The Senior Companion program matches volunteers with other seniors in need of assistance. The program is designed to provide companionship for seniors who may be living alone or just need a little extra help.
Volunteers take their "partners" on outings to the park, to doctors' appointments or out to lunch.
Often, a visit at home over coffee or a card game makes a big difference.
"You leave with such a sense of satisfaction knowing that you have helped someone," said Senior Companion Richard Brogan.
Senior Companions must be at least 60 years old, meet maximum income requirements and have the ability to volunteer 20 hours weekly.
In exchange for their participation, volunteers receive a tax-free stipend of $2.55 an hour for service, reimbursement for travel expenses and liability insurance.
Many seniors who otherwise would not be able to continue living at home or would need expensive assistance benefit from the personal care. The program encourages both the volunteers and partners to remain active, said Suzy Bourque, who oversees senior services at Tucson'sFamily Counseling Agency, the program's sponsoring organization.
Volunteers offer their senior partners contact with the world outside their homes and make their lives less lonely, she said.
"I think we're helping (the volunteers) feel resourceful again," Bourque said. "They feel so good about being connected."
Senior Companion volunteers provide short periods of relief to primary caregivers and family members, allowing them to run errands. Volunteers can also serve as a contact to family members who live in other states.
Senior Companions do not need special medical or technical skills. However, they must attend 20 hours of classes before they begin their volunteer time. They are trained to assist seniors who may have special needs such as visual and hearing impairments, Alzheimer's disease or diabetes.
Senior Companions receive on- going training, and volunteers must attend four hours of monthly workshops. The classes serve as a support group for the volunteers, allowing them to share their experiences with others.
Because many seniors are vulnerable to abuse, the Senior Companion program screens candidates through references, criminal background checks and home interviews.
Nationally, Senior Companions have helped over 75,000 adults remain independent in their homes. The program, part of the National Senior Corps, is located in several U.S. cities, including Phoenix and Flagstaff.
The nonprofit Family Counseling Agency started the Tucson program in September with a $180,000 federal grant. Currently, 11 volunteers assist 30 partners.
The program matches seniors based on activity, location, pet and smoking preferences. Each Senior Companion helps up to four partners.
"The volunteers make the program," said L'Don Sawyer, Senior Companion program coordinator. "They are the program."
The Senior Companion program organizes new training sessions monthly. It also accepts donations from individuals and businesses who would like to contribute.
Volunteers from South Tucson are joining the program. The Family Counseling Agency may possibly partner with another organization to expand to a South Tucson site.