Social engagement is good

Senior Matters
By Meg Callaway

    Senior companionship is a gift that gives twice. Both the visitor and the one visited benefit from regular friendly encounters because social engagement is good for both the heart and the brain. Growing older may be isolating if you find it difficult to leave your home and take part in community activities.

    Run through the Cooperative Extension Service, the Senior Companion Program (SCP) is part of the National Senior Volunteer Corps. The statewide program receives support for its mission from community organizations that agree to serve as volunteer stations.
    The Charlotte White Center is a volunteer station for Piscataquis County and helps to recruit and match companions with older people who want to remain living in their homes and communities (otherwise known as “aging in place”). There is always a need for individuals age 55 or older who are interested in serving as companions. The more companions available, the greater the opportunities to match those seeking a companion with a person who is an especially good fit for them in terms of their interests.
    SCP began as a way to support older people in remaining active by arranging for them to spend time with other seniors who are relatively homebound. Today, it is clear that the lives of both parties participating in the program are enriched.
    The focus of the SCP is entirely companionship. Senior companions do not provide household, transportation, or treatment services. They simply spend several hours a week keeping older people company by doing mutually rewarding activities.
    For more details about the program and to apply or refer to SCP, anyone interested may contact me at the Charlotte White Program by phone at (207) 947-1410, ext. 139 or by e-mail at mcallaway@charlottewhite.org. Donna Gillette is the SCP coordinator for Piscataquis County and she may be reached at (207) 581-3870.
    We invite readers to offer feedback about this column and to suggest topics for future articles.
    You may do so by contacting Meg Callaway of the Charlotte White Center at (207) 947-1410 and mcallaway@charlottewhite.org or Lesley Fernow at (207) 992-6822 and lmfernow@rcn.com.