With age come a host of new challenges. Things that were once simple are now hard. That includes grocery shopping, walking up and down the stairs, and even bathing. But along with that, older individuals begin to experience loneliness. For many, they’ve watched their closest friends and spouses pass away. And often, family members don’t live nearby.
An amazing program
Thanks to the Senior Companion Program, there’s a silver lining on the horizon for the aging population. Available in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, with this, companions are assigned to visit elderly people. Especially for those who don’t have anyone, this makes all the difference in how they feel and view life.
This program receives funding from the federal government
The way it works is that volunteers sign up to become companions. Pamela Liddell, a 64-year-old woman, takes part in this Department of Human Services program. Every week, she takes time to visit with several elderly people who aren’t able to leave their homes.
Liddell has one special friend
Among the different homebound seniors that she visits, Liddell was assigned to Josephine Toia who’s 90. Two times each week, she goes to Toia’s home, spending three hours with her. Although the two were connected through this program, over time, they’ve become extremely close.
The two women have a lot in common
For one thing, these ladies were both raised in the Pittsburgh area. But they each have three children and are great-grandparents, as well. The goal of the Senior Companion Program is to put two individuals together who have things in common. That’s how these two met. But now, they share a unique bond.
Other people can volunteer
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer must be at a minimum, 55 years old, this according to Kurt Emmerling, the DHS Deputy Director with the Area Agency on Aging. The purpose of that is to ensure the elderly have a peer.
Emmerling explains the program further
“We really do want our seniors to feel good about themselves. There’s nothing wrong to speaking to generations that are younger…but when it comes to sharing a common background, you want somebody closer in age to you. And that’s the main reason why.”
So, what do Liddell and Toia do during their time together?
In addition to a lot of talking and laughing, Toia’s companion helps her exercise. She accomplishes that by using her walker to go up and down the walkway. With Liddell beside her, Toia feels 100 percent safe. Her companion, and now friend, has turned her life completely around. Living with arthritis that limits her mobility, it’s nice to have someone there.
Liddell is someone Toia can talk to about anything, even difficult family issues. Three years ago, Toia lost her husband of over 60 years. Before getting involved with this program, she spent many days alone and feeling lonely. If there’s such a thing as soulmates between friends, these two are it.
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