Permanent solution for Senior Companions being discussed
Podcast Episode
A group of community leaders is trying to revive a service aimed at helping senior citizens. The Senior Companion program ended when a federal agency terminated its agreement with Senior Service of Rock County due to lack of compliance and concerns outlined in an April letter. Kyle Geissler reports. You can read more in Tuesday's Janesville Gazette.
JANESVILLE — Who and how many need it?
Who would provide it?
And how would it be funded?
These are three big questions that need to be answered before Rock County community leaders can fill the gap left by the June 17 closing of the Senior Companion program formerly run by Senior Services of Rock County.
The Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency that administers Senior Companion Programs, terminated its agreement with Senior Services of Rock County due to lack of compliance and concerns outlined in an April letter.
The program matched frail people 60 and older with low-income healthy seniors to help them with shopping, doctor appointments and breaking the isolation that can come with old age.
Representatives of some of the now-defunct program’s funding sources met July 1 to discuss finding an organization to pick up the program. On Friday, nearly a dozen leaders from the community met again, said Joyce Lubben, director of the Rock County Council on Aging.
At the meeting were representatives from the Corporation for National and Community Service, both United Way organizations in Rock County, Mercy Health System on behalf of its Association of Volunteers, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Rock County, Voluntary Action Center, Rock County Council on Aging and former members of the Senior Companion advisory council.
“We didn’t really review much past history. It was a meeting of let’s go forward,’’ Lubben said.
Representatives from the Corporation for National and Community Service discussed rules and regulations and what it would take to apply for permission to operate the program under its guidelines, she said.
“They kind of went over policies and some suggestions about what we should look at if we’re going to apply for a nonfederal funded senior companion program,” Lubben said.
They also discussed what the community needs.
“I think the final analysis is, yes, down the road we would like to have another senior companion program. But what we really need first is a stopgap measure for people who need assisted transportation,’’ she said.
RSVP of Rock County is taking a look at filling that gap, Lubben said.
“RSVP would love to do this but can’t with existing staff, which takes money. Even if it’s a volunteer-driver program that would provide assistance, we still need mileage money to reimburse volunteers at an acceptable market rate. They need to put together a budget and see what funding is available for that,’’ she said.
“We’re really working toward a solution that would fill the gap,” Lubben said.
Those who attended Friday’s meeting recognized that they need to figure out the scope of the gap and identify people who need help. Both United Way organizations and the Rock County Council on Aging are taking the lead on that, she said.
Another meeting date has not been set, but Lubben said those involved in Friday’s meeting most likely would get together again next month.
“We don’t want to just leave these people hanging. We feel a responsibility to try to fill this gap,” she said. “But, of course, one of the biggest hang-ups is the financial piece.’’
Aug 19, 2010 at 5:22 p.m.
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And you're a piece of work. You have NOT walked in my shoes! There is nothing this family wouldn't do for Dad, but he does not want to be a burden. He wants to be able to pay for assistance. There is NONE available. No one here is looking for a hand out.
What needs to be available is a service that has the equipment for safe transport, is bonded and reliable. As big as Madison is, one would think it would be easier to be accommodated.
Yes, people have become selfish and don't want to be "bothered". NOT the case here, just want an agency to offer transportation. Taxis won't pick them up, if they struggle with getting in the car. Once again, MONEY is not an issue!!!
Your first message was down right snotty!
Aug 19, 2010 at 7:48 a.m.
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GM I walk in your shoes daily..You fail to understand the point I'm trying to make. The point is that families can't or won't take responsibility for thier own anymore. I'm sorry you family member has trouble getting to his places he needs to be but again that's where family comes in. Go that extra to see he can do what he needs to do, get where he needs to be. Everybody gets angry because society won't provide care and or transportation for those who may need it. Society is what it is today and families need to pick up the ball and run with it. Instead of complaining about this has been cut and that has been cut. That's all I'm saying. I agree that it isn't fair that programs have been cut but again who will pay for them. Life gets hard when you have chalanges, physical/mental,but families need to step up and not complain when it isn't what they think it should be. Don't get so defensive.
Aug 18, 2010 at 5:59 p.m.
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Excuse me, mskari??? Not that I have to justify anything to you, but he moved an hour away, because the retirement home was new and no... he is NOT hard up for money, he is financially secure. The AGENCY canceled his contract, due to his physical difficulty with getting in and out of a car. If an agency had the step vans, or handicap accessibility lifts, he could drive his scooter onto it.
AND, if I COULD get him in and out of a car, I WOULD!!!
You certainly are one bitter person to assume anything!!! Are you guilty of pot/kettle/black?
Inconvenience myself? How dare you! Get off that high and mighty soapbox you're on, and walk a mile in MY shoes. How dare you!
Aug 18, 2010 at 11:26 a.m.
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MsKari
What the hell gives you the right to ASSUME you know what is going on in gmaof3's situation????? WOW what a bold statement!!!!! It is sad that these services have been depleted. try and volunteer for this age group- it will maybe change your rude attitude! WOW is all I can say
Aug 18, 2010 at 9:12 a.m.
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Guess you need to go help your dad out then.Inconvience yourself a little. People are relying way to much on others to take care of thier elderly family members. Then they want the tax payers to pick up the tab. It comes down to take care of your own. Sure it's hard you have to alter your schedule some but that's the way things are. All I hear is complaining about how my dad or mom can't get a ride to his or her appointments. Work with them to get thier appointments set up and then get in your car and take them. They took care of you for years. If you can't take them and they haven't the money to hire someone guess it's up to you to open your wallet and make sure it's taken care of.Inconvience yourself a little and go visit with them and take them out if they are able. Stop waiting and complaining that somebody else can't do it.
Aug 17, 2010 at 6:50 p.m.
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My father-in-law, who is now 86, volunteered through the Dane county program as a driver, in Cambridge after Mom died years ago. Now that he is living in a retirement center, in his own apartment, he now needs transportation. He can't drive anymore and was hooked up with the senior program in Madison. All was going well for about a year, but he just got a call last week, that they are canceling his contract because it is too difficult for him to get in and out of a car.
He is lucid, does not need in home care, but can not get to his physician. It is staggering, the number of people in this position right now. The numbers will continue to increase as we baby boomers get on in years.
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