What: People Inc. Senior Companion Annual Recognition Luncheon

When: Friday, May 30, 2014, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Schiller Park Community Center

             2057 Genesee Street, Buffalo

Who:   Elected officials and professionals in the area of senior services.

Why:   Volunteers and participants that help make the People Inc. Senior Companion program a reality will be recognized during the event. The People Inc. Senior Companion program helps seniors who are homebound and other adults who are frail maintain independence in their own homes. The program is provided in the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna and the towns of Amherst and West Seneca with plans to expand.The People Inc. Senior Companion Program could not be possible without the Federal Government’s Corporation for National Service, the State of New York, County of Erie, Cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna and the Towns of West Seneca and Amherst.

A Senior Companion, 55 or older, who lives in Erie county, volunteers his or her time supporting the lives of older adults. They provide non-health-related services such as shopping, errands, light housekeeping, reading, writing letters, transportation to and from physician appointments, daily visits, meal preparation and respite. They alert doctors and family members to potential problems and provide a break to family caregivers.

The Senior Companion volunteers are trained and paid a modest hourly stipend for their services and receive reimbursement for travel to and from the participant’s home. The extra assistance, which is free-of-charge fills a gap in care which, unfilled, would result in costly, unnecessary nursing home and residential care.

For more information about the People Inc. Senior Companion program, call 716-768-2381.

People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Contact: Nicole Forgione, Public Affairs Manager

Direct line: 716.817.7490