An estimated 18 americorps seniors senior companion volunteers will serve

Of this number, 18 americorps seniors volunteers will be placed in outcome-based assignments. Some of their activities will include transportation, nutrition, health and exercise education, disaster preparedness, respite for primary caregivers, and companionship. Trained senior companions will provide one-on-one regular assistance, encouragement, and support to other seniors identified by nonprofit and proprietary health care organizations in our area. The primary focus area of this project is healthy futures: aging in place. At the end of the three-year grant, as a result of SC service, clients experiencing difficulty accomplishing personal tasks, such as walking, using telephone, preparing a meal, shopping, filling out forms, writing letters, etc. Will experience increased ability to accomplish personal tasks. Clients who otherwise experience rapid decline will be able to maintain if not improve function for everyday life activities. Clients who cannot improve physically, due to their specific illness or disability, including alzheimer's and/or dementia, can experience improved cognitive abilities, reduced anxiety and improved general sense of well-being. Caregivers, if involved, will feel relief from stress as a result of respite provided by the SC. As a result of friendship, support and assistance provided by senior companion volunteers, transitional facility-based residents will: 1) feel less isolated and happier during their facility stay; 2) improve desire to perform personal tasks, including encouragement to participate in required physical/occupational therapy, feeling more prepared to return home; and 3) return to independent living with increased knowledge of community programs and services to help maintain their independent status. SCS also remain active and socially connected in their communities & report improved health as a result of their service. The americorps seniors federal investment of $65,234 will be supplemented by $143,767.