An upcoming all-volunteer community effort will pay tribute to a generation of seniors who has sacrificed for the future of our country. Countrywide Companionship 2003 is a community service program that will offer conversation and social interaction to residents of local care facilities on Sunday, November 9 of the Veteran’s Day weekend.
For the fifth consecutive year Home Instead Senior Care, a company that provides non-medical home care and companionship services for the elderly, is sponsoring this important project. The company is focusing its efforts in facilities because time and distance separate many families from their elderly loved ones who are living there. A visit from someone who cares can provide a boost to their day and some simple companionship.
“Many of the residents in facilities are veterans or have lived through the turmoil and kinds of sacrifices that we have seen this year with the war in Iraq.” said Theresa Zurilla, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Blair County. “This effort helps give back to a generation that has given us so much,” added Zurilla.
This year’s program also is designed to support the efforts of dedicated care facility staffs by providing practical and supplemental companionship activities to residents in two hour increments from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
One person who will benefit from this special weekend is a former Tyrone resident now living in the Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home. Only his first name was released in this press release. Tom has been a resident of the facility for over a year. Tom’s wife has physical difficulties and can’t visit frequently, and his children all live in Baltimore. Thus Tom doesn’t receive many visitors.
“Tom is looking forward to this time of sharing and companionship.” said Sandy Newfield of the Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home. “I know this will brighten Tom’s day.” added Newfield.
Facilities can select from services that include one-on-one companionship and interaction; group conversations and activities such cards, music or crafts; or mealtime companionship and visitation. The types of services at respective locations will be determined by participating facility administrators.
The need is great! “Some elderly are sheltered and lonely because their families live out of town or their busy working and raising families of their own.” said Zurilla. Others may be depressed because of declining health. Still others may be financially unable to seek out supplemental care. As a way of giving back to the community, teams of Home Instead caregivers will volunteer their time to do what they do best. “They give a boost to deserving elderly.” Zurilla stated.
Home Instead caregivers are professionally trained, bonded, insured and experienced in the type of non-medical companionship care they will be providing to facilities’ residents. During this effort last year, Home Instead caregivers donated more than 5,500 hours of service to the elderly. Only the Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home is participating in the Blair County area.
