Charleston area senior citizens services, INC. (casc) is a 501(c)3 organization that serves senior citizens in south carolina, specifically berkeley, charleston, and dorchester counties

The mission of the organization is to promote the social, mental and economic well-being of seniors. Casc is requesting $218,400 in federal funds to sponsor the senior companion program (SCP) in a three county area. The total number of unduplicated volunteers for all performance measures and non-impact area will be 56. At lease one hundred homebound seniors will receive 50,112 hours of service, 48 VSY's during the contract year. The SCP will address two performance measures: in-home care (H8) and respite for caregivers (H13). In-home care /companionship (H8) will be provided by 30 senior companion volunteers assigned to one or all of the current volunteer stations serving 60 clients in the home. Each volunteer will serve 1-5 homebound seniors. All volunteers will receive specific training during the contract year to enhance their skill levels; including recognizing and caring for victims of alzheimer's and related dementia, healthy nutrition, and warning signs of heart attack or stroke. Volunteers will visit each client and, depending upon the care plan; prepare light meals, perform light housekeeping duties, provide companionship. Of these volunteers, four volunteers will be assigned to homebound veteran clients and four volunteers will provide needed transportation to dialysis clinics. Respite for caregivers (H13) will be provided by 24 senior companion volunteers assigned to one or all of the current volunteer stations serving 40 clients in the home. Each volunteer will serve at least one client. All volunteers will receive specific training during the contract year to enhance their skill levels; including recognizing and caring for victims of alzheimer's and related dementia, healthy nutrition, and warning signs of heart attack or stroke. Volunteers will visit each client and, depending upon the care plan; prepare light meals, perform light housekeeping duties, provide companionship, monitoring and respite care assistance. An estimated 90% of in-home clients will report reduced feelings of loneliness due to senior companion volunteer visits. IT is projected that 85% of those served will remain at home, preventing or delaying institutionalization. Respite for caregivers will be provided to overburdened care givers. 70% of caregivers will report by the end of the contract year an improved sense of wellbeing due to respite service. The end outcome for this performance measure will be to ensure that caregivers can continue to provide care and this service will reduce the number of relocations of elderly clients.