Serving terminally ill seniors

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Abstract

In Savannah, Georgia, the Senior Companion Program of Senior Citizens, Inc. serves terminally ill seniors through Hospice Savannah, a nonprofit organization providing care and support to patients and their families. Their efforts help terminally ill seniors remain at home longer and save families the cost of in-home health assistance. This effective practice was highlighted in the National Service News, June 25, 2001, published by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

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Issue

The primary caregivers of terminally ill patients often have regular jobs, require additional assistance, or just need some respite from their demanding schedule.

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Action

Senior Companions are consistent, committed, reliable members of Hospice Savannah's team approach to hospice care, which also includes nurses, social workers, a chaplain, bereavement counselors and community volunteers. Each Senior Companion serves from one to three families, depending on need and length of time patients are in the program. Senior Companions complete a twelve-hour training program and have the continuing support and advice of other Hospice team members; in turn, the Senior Companions bring their own unique blend of love, caring, and experience.

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Context

There are currently 78 Senior Companions serving in Savannah, Georgia. In addition to providing service through Hospice Savannah, they also assist seniors who are visually impaired, seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other mental challenges, and they administer in-home care to seniors wishing to maintain an independent lifestyle.

Hospice Savannah was founded by volunteers in 1979. Its staff of over 150 professionals and 200 nationally certified volunteers serves the eight-county region of Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long and Tattnall counties. Hospice Savannah also provides comprehensive bereavement programs for children, adolescents and adults.

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Outcome

Beyond the dollar savings, there was a less quantifiable but very real benefit to families: a trusted friend who cares about the well-being of their loved one. Sometimes the help of Senior Companions meant that family caregivers did not have to quit their regular jobs to take care of family obligations.Through the efforts of Senior Companions' service with Hospice Savannah and similar groups across the country, more people are able to end their days in the familiar surroundings of home and family.

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Evidence

Eighty percent of the patients cared for by Hospice Savannah remain at home; others are cared for at the organization's in-patient facility, Hospice House. Senior Companions have served up to 20 hours each week in patients' homes through the Hospice's Home Care program. In 2000, seven Senior Companions provided more than 2,000 hours of service to the terminally ill. Based on an average cost of $9.50 an hour for comparable home health assistance, the Senior Companions saved patients and their families almost $19,500.

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Posted On

October 10, 2001

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For More Information

Leslie Maynor
Senior Companion Program, Senior Citizens, Inc.
Project Director
Phone: (912) 236-0363, x120

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Related Practices

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Related sites

Hospice Savannah

Topic Areas

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