Visiting nurse association (VNA), sponsor of the senior companion program (SCP) of southeast MO, is a home health agency serving in-home clients

VNA consist of seven programs they are: home health, hospice, private duty nursing, personal care/homemaker, home medical equipment, consumer directed service, and SCP. The mission statement of the visiting nurse association is to set the statement for excellence in the delivery of home care service to the citizens of southeast missouri through therapeutic, custodial, palliative, and preventive care in a cooperative and seamless system, utilizing innovation, diversification and cost effective methods in an environment that fosters learning and demonstrates positive outcomes. The services will be provided without regard to age, race, creed, disability or economic status. This mission will be carried out using the not-for-profit corporation form of doing business as defined in chapter 355 of the revised statutes of missouri. VNA is requesting $146,496.00 to support 32 volunteer VHS service years. The primary focus of this program is to improve the lives of in home clients by helping to reduce premature institutionalization and help combat the feeling of isolation. Caregivers will receive respite services from senior companions who help assist the caregivers with much needed time away from their loved one. Senior companion visits will be made for the following service activities: 1. Healthy futures/independent living 2. Respite for caregivers the anticipated outcomes from for this grant period are: 1. Clients will remain in their own home 2. Client will feel less isolated 3. Caregiver will receive respite services for much need time away from love one. Companions are responsible for checking on the general well-being of SCP clients. Client surveys L indicate 80% of the clients feel that assistance from companions help combat the feelings of isolation and also help them to remain in their own homes. SCP also gives companions a purpose for living and help them meet their financial needs.