Serving the frail elderly through an interfaith association
Abstract
The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) of Memphis, Tennessee sponsors the Senior Companion program serving the Memphis area and three outlying counties. In 2002, 95 Senior Companions served 993 frail elderly clients in their homes, at senior high-rises, and at the local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. Senior Companions earn a volunteer stipend and institutionalized and homebound seniors receive outstanding care. This program was highlighted in the National Service News, Issue No.173, December 9, 2002, published by the Corporation for National and Community Service.Issue
Elderly patients at the dysphasia care unit at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee, suffering with brain injuries that interfere with their ability to swallow, needed assistance eating; and other frail elderly who are victims of Alzheimer's disease needed supervision during the day when family members were working.Action
The Senior Companions program, sponsored by the Metropolitan Interfaith Association (MIFA) of Memphis, Tennessee, pairs active low-income seniors with their frail elderly peers. Companions earn a volunteer stipend and institutionalized and homebound seniors receive outstanding care. According to the National Service News, effective practices in the areas of assignments, training, and funding during program year 2002 included:
Assignments:
- Assigning Five Senior Companions to the dysphasia care unit at the VA Medical Center where they served 758 veterans. These patients suffered some form of brain injury that interferes with their ability to swallow and, therefore, to eat. The Senior Companions helped with light tasks, including nourishment and feeding, providing companionship, and helping the patients relearn how to eat.
- Assigning six Senior Companions to serve at an Alzheimer's adult day care facility. Family members brought the patients to the center each day, and the Companions provided support, assistance and friendship, helping with tasks ranging from restroom visits to assisting in conducting activities. Activities included taking patients outside for walks; planting flowers in an enclosed garden area; tending to the garden; manicures for female patients; and doing the "hokey-pokey."
- Serving in clients' homes, including four Memphis Housing Authority senior housing sites, where many volunteers also live. Services included "light" housekeeping duties such as light cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
- Having a ready-trained volunteer pool. Individuals were assigned from volunteer stations and worked 4 hours a day, 5 days a week.
- Beginning the program with 40 hours of pre-service training, at which time Senior Companions developed a rapport with the Project Director and each other. These hours were spread over a two-week period in which Senior Companions were given both general and specific program information. Information included administrative policies and procedures; appropriate activities; effective listening and communication skills; first aid and universal precaution procedures; and data about dementia.
- Attending eleven in-service training sessions conducted by Project staff. These were ongoing during the course of the Program and covered new topics as well as provided a review of topics already covered, as necessary.
- Attending a twelfth training conducted at the Volunteer stations.
- A $75,000 grant from the H.W. Durham Foundation enabled the project to provide expanded staff, 15 additional Senior Companions, and volunteer support.
Context
Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) began in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968 following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Religious and lay leaders founded this interfaith non-profit group as a means for all people to put their faith into action. Since its founding, MIFA has offered service to hundreds of thousands of people in need and this flexible local organization offers a variety of services that nurture the community. The program's mission is to unite all ages, faiths and cultures to help meet human needs and develop lasting solutions to social ills.
Volunteer stations range from the VA Center and the Housing Authority to senior facilities operated by Methodist, Jewish, Baptist, Catholic, and various faith groups. MIFA sponsors 20 other service programs, including Meals on Wheels, and provides noon meals to Senior Companions.
Donations of time, leadership, services and money from individuals and community groups are critical to the overall success of the program. MIFA obtains 60 percent of its funding from private sources and 40 percent from public sources.
Outcome
- Senior Companions assigned to the dysphasia care unit at the VA Medical Center are a critical support for the overworked nursing staff and, with their assistance, most patients return home to independent living after a week or two on the unit.
- Senior Companions serving at an Alzheimer's adult day care facility are credited with helping the center limit fees to $25 per day per participant.
- MIFA's strategic plan calls for the sponsor to fund an additional 40 Senior Companions on a permanent basis by 2005.
Evidence
Each year, the program conducts a random customer satisfaction survey of clients. In 2002, 100 percent of respondents said their quality of life was better or much better because of the Senior Companions.Posted On
December 17, 2002For More Information