Twelve Barton and Pawnee County Senior Companions were recognized for their service to others needing assistance to remain independently in their homes at the in-service meeting held in Great Bend on Wednesday, Aug. 17. Those recognized from Great Bend were Juretta Boswell for one year; Sr. Mary Lou Desena for two years of service; Juanita Lumpkins for seven years; Earl Lumpkins for seven years; Doris Gillis for eight years; and Norma Strobel for ten years with the Program. Jerri Stout from Hoisington was honored for eight years; Ruth Martin, Richard Moore and Lucille Kurtz of Larned were recognized for eleven and four years respectively.
Senior Companions are volunteers, 55 years of age and older, who help their clients with daily needs such as paying bills, buying groceries, and helping with light household chores. They may remind persons to take their medication or transport them to appointments. They provide a watchful eye to see if more care is needed to allow their clients to remain living in their own homes independently and with dignity. Senior Companions also provide respite care for family caregivers.
There is no cost to the client or families for the services provided.
The Companions receive benefits which include a tax-free stipend of $2.65/hour, a travel allowance, training, accident and liability insurance and recognition. They are insured with accident and liability insurance while serving.
The Senior Companion Program is sponsored by Fort Hays State University and funded by the Corporation for National & Community Service, Washington, DC.  Senior Companions serve in Barton, Ellis, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Trego, Ford, Gove, Graham, Phillips, Hodgeman, Ness, Logan and Pawnee counties.  For information about the Senior Companion Program, call 785-628-5809.