George Freeman, right, a volunteer in the Companionship Program of the Westfield Council on Aging, prepares to drive Bob Murphy, a client, to a doctors appointment. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD- The Westfield Council on Aging Companionship Program is continuing to thrive. The program, created 22 years ago, was one of the first developed of its kind in the state and won the Rose Award through the Department of Elder Affairs years ago for being a new and innovative program.
The Companionship Program matches volunteers with primarily frail, homebound elders who are in need of some type of assistance.
“The whole reason the program was established was to try to keep older adults in their homes and out of institutions for as long as possible,” said Executive Director of the Westfield Council on Aging Tina Gorman. She added that the staff is very proud of the success rate of the program because annually only a handful of clients move into assisted living or a nursing home. Over 95 percent of the clients are able to remain at home with services provided through the Companionship Program.
Fran Aguda, the Companionship Program Coordinator, is in charge of matching up volunteers with clients. Each volunteer goes through a training and orientation program before a first meeting with the client. Aguda is always present at that initial introduction to assure that the “match” will work.
Volunteers provide their time to help with various activities, including transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping assistance, and friendly visits. Volunteers in the program help to bring clients to special programs at the Senior Center, as well. One of the newer support groups created last year is called “Viewpoints”, and is a low vision support group. Since none of the members in the group can drive, the Senior Center relies on volunteers within the Companionship Program to transport members to and from the monthly meetings.
The Council On Aging is currently trying to reach out to the Spanish-American and Latino community in Westfield and is in the process of recruiting volunteers who speak Spanish to join the program. With recent advertising, several volunteers have come forward and will begin the Companionship Program shortly. Gorman also said that the Companionship Program is always looking for volunteers of all ages, male and female, to volunteer. Volunteers include college students, retirees, and people who currently work full time or part-time. Although volunteers are asked to be available at least two hours a week, there is a lot of flexibility within the program and volunteers do receive a stipend for gas. Gorman also added that the volunteers are “the eyes and ears” of the program and that the clients greatly appreciate what these volunteers do.
George Freeman has been a volunteer for the Companionship Program for about five years. His wife Ellen joined the effort two years ago. Freeman said he has learned to appreciate his good health and also added that it is a “people to people” program.
Bob Murphy, a veteran, is a recipient of volunteer services from the Companionship Program, and receives transportation to various medical appointments from volunteers, including Freeman. Murphy said he finds it “indispensable”, because he would otherwise have to take various bus rides, which would take much longer and be extremely difficult because of his mobility limitations.
Anyone interested in volunteering in the Companionship Program can contact Fran Aguda at 413-562-6435.
