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Information for Interested Volunteers |
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Senior Companions of South Dakota |
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Information for Interested Volunteers You are eligible to become a Senior Companion with stipend pay if you are age 60 or older, meet an income guideline, and are able to serve 15 – 40 hours per week. Activities that you would be involved in are conversing and listening, assisting with reading, writing letters, phone calls; helping with shopping or errands; sharing hobbies, recreation, and social events; assisting with light housekeeping; reminding the client to take their medications; accompanying them to the doctor, helping with paying bills and filling out forms; and being present for exercises and walks. In addition to the stipend, you would receive mileage reimbursement or van transportation; meal allowance; nine paid holidays; vacation, sick and funeral leave; monthly paid training, accident insurance while on assignment, friendship with other Senior Companions and clients, and the satisfaction of serving others. The monetary benefits do not reduce any governmental assistance and are not taxable. Senior Companions receive 40 hours of orientation and an opportunity to shadow a Senior Companion before beginning services. We have six in-service trainings a year that provide valuable senior information that you will find useful for yourself and your clients. Many of our Senior Companions have served for several years and talk about the benefits they receive by feeling needed and useful to the people they help. Volunteers are involved in a recognition event every year and receive the Points of Light, Presidential Awards for their years of service. Many of our Senior Companions and clients have been together for several years and both feel it is one of the best things that have happened in their lives. Please contact us at sdscp@good-sam.com or call us at 1-605-361-1133 or toll free at 1-888-239-1210 for additional information. |
