Senior Companion Program featured in Sun Journal
The Sun Journal published an article about a friendship that was formed through the University of Maine Center on Aging’s Senior Companion Program. Dee Farr, a 55-year-old Oxford resident who has mobility issues, was introduced to Katey Coffin, 65, of Norway, a senior companion with the program. The two ultimately formed a working relationship as well as a friendship, according to the article. According to its brochures, “homebound elders are able to stay in their homes longer thanks to regular visits from Senior Companions — dedicated, active individuals age 55 and older.” “We provide monthly trainings so our companions can help clients help themselves,” said Anna Saar, program coordinator for Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties. Training includes topics such as fraud/scams, nutrition, legal services available, elder abuse, vision and hearing resources and dementia, the article states. “I love the companions, they are so compassionate … beyond belief — and they go out of their way,” Saar said.