The Senior Companion Program

In Savannah, Georgia, the Senior Companion Program of Senior Citizens, Inc. serves terminally ill seniors through Hospice Savannah, a non-profit organization providing care and support to patients and their families. Their efforts help terminally ill seniors remain at home longer and save families the cost of in-home health assistance. Senior Companions are consistent, committed, reliable members of Hospice Savannah's team approach to hospice care, which also includes nurses, social workers, a chaplain, bereavement counselors and community volunteers. Each Senior Companion serves from one to three families, depending on need and length of time patients are in the program. Senior Companions complete a twelve-hour training program and have the continuing support and advice of other Hospice team members; in turn, the Senior Companions bring their own unique blend of love, caring, and experience.

The primary caregivers of terminally ill patients often have regular jobs, require additional assistance, or just need some respite from their demanding schedule. Senior Companions provide much-needed assistance that allows patients to remain at home while giving primary caregivers a break.

Eighty percent of the patients cared for by Hospice Savannah remain at home; others are cared for at the organization's in-patient facility, Hospice House. Senior Companions have served up to 20 hours each week in patients' homes through the Hospice's Home Care program. In 2000, seven Senior Companions provided more than 2,000 hours of service to the terminally ill. Based on an average cost of $9.50 an hour for comparable home health assistance, the Senior Companions saved patients and their families almost $19,500.

There are currently 78 Senior Companions serving in Savannah, Georgia. In addition to providing service through Hospice Savannah, they also assist seniors who are visually impaired, seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other mental challenges, and they administer in-home care to seniors wishing to maintain an independent lifestyle.

Hospice Savannah was founded by volunteers in 1979. Its staff of over 150 professionals and 200 nationally certified volunteers serves the eight-county region of Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long and Tattnall counties. Hospice Savannah also provides comprehensive bereavement programs for children, adolescents and adults.