+ Our Mission
ABOUT JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Q: Do you have jobs for senior citizens?
A: Technically, the answer is no. We do not have employment programs for seniors. However, low-income seniors age 60 or older may qualify to serve as stipended volunteers in the Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion Program. These volunteers receive a $2.65 hourly stipend and travel reimbursement for 20 hours of service weekly, which comes to an average of $250 per month and is not considered income for the purpose of Social Security, Medicaid, Food Stamps, disability, subsidized housing, or any other benefits which are based on a person’s income.
Q: What is the income eligibility guideline for Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions?
A: In 2009, a person living alone who makes no more than $13,540 per year qualifies. For a family of two, the guideline is $18,215 per year. An individual who appears to be over-income may still qualify if he or she has unreimbursed medical expenses. Contact a Senior Corps staff member at 706-868-0120 for more details.
Q: I really want to be a Foster Grandparent or a Senior Companion, but I’m over the income eligibility guideline. What can I do?
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Q: I really want to be a Foster Grandparent or a Senior Companion, but I’m only 57. What can I do?
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Q: I want to volunteer, but only occasionally. I can’t commit to 20 hours each week. What should I do?
A: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), another part of the Senior Corps, offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to everyone age 55 or older. As an RSVP volunteer, you may be assigned to work in a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion-type position. However, you will not receive the stipend, nor will you be obligated to work 20 hours each week. RSVP volunteers may work as many or as few hours per week as they wish, as long as they work at least one hour every 90 days.
ABOUT SITTERS, PERSONAL AIDES, HOME HEALTH CARE
Q: We need someone to come in occasionally and sit with Mother. Do you provide this service?
A: No, we do not have a “sitter” service. Through our Senior Companion Program, stipended volunteers work 20 hours each week with frail elderly or disabled individuals who are at risk of nursing home placement. They visit their clients on a regular basis, and are not at liberty to accept occasional, temporary “sitting” positions.
Q: How much will it cost me for the services of a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion?
A: Nothing. This service is provided through a federal grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, with no charge to the recipient.
Q: I understand that your federal funds are limited. Can I just pay for a Senior Companion for my mother?
A: No. Although we gratefully accept donations, they cannot be linked to the receipt of service by federal law.
Q: My mom needs home health care, but I have no idea of who to call. Can you help me?
A: Home health care is offered by many companies in the Central Savannah River Area. Please see the listing in your local telephone directory. You need to know that in some cases, home health care is reimbursed through the Medicare system, the Medicaid system, private insurance, or by private out-of-pocket pay.
ABOUT MEDICARE, MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS
Q: Can you explain the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan requirements and options? How do I enroll in the Plan?
A: Medicare has developed a drug assistance plan which offers savings to Medicare beneficiaries. To receive the assistance, you must be a Medicare beneficiary. To learn about the program and/or to enroll, please call us at 706-868-0120 to make an appointment. You will need to bring your Medicare benefits card and a list of your medications with you to the appointment.
Q: I have Medicare, but need a supplement. Are there any supplements in Georgia?
A: There are many plans available in Georgia. We have a list of the ones that are approved by the Georgia Insurance Commissioners Office and will be happy to mail you the list or if you prefer, a trained insurance counselor will review the plans with you and help you decide which plan is best suited for your individual needs. Please call our Advocacy Programs Director at 706-868-0120 to schedule an appointment.
ABOUT WILLS, ADVANCED DIRECTIVES
Q: I need a will. Can you help me?
A: Yes. Please call our Advocacy Programs Director at 706-868-0120 to schedule an appointment. She will help you to complete a “Will Intake” form that will help decrease the amount of time you spend with an attorney. Also, by completing the form before your visit with the attorney, you can decide who you will include in your will.
Q: The hospital said I need something called “Advanced Directives.” Can you help me get them?
A: Advanced directives are written directives that help your loved ones make medical decisions for you in the event that you are unable to indicate the type of care you want. The documents are given to your physician(s) and loved ones for safekeeping until they are needed. Please call our Advocacy Programs Director at 706-868-0120 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
ABOUT OTHER SERVICES
Q: Who do I contact about meals? - or - transportation? - or – senior center recreational activities?
A: Please call Gateway to Aging Services at 706-210-2018.
Q: How do I get an Assisted Living Facility / Personal Care Home or a Nursing Home to properly care for my loved one?
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Q: Where do I report abuse of an Assisted Living Facility / Personal Care Home resident or a Nursing Home resident?
A: The CSRA Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will receive your complaint and investigate your concerns. Please call them at 706-721-2327.
Q: My sister is abusing my aunt. What can I do?
A: Call Adult Protective Services at 1-888-774-0152.
Q: How do I contact AARP to find out about their meetings, Tax-Aide services, or the Driver Safety Course?
A. Contact Ray Butler, 706-790-8824 or Varnell Owens, 706-790-4388, or
A. Go to the AARP's website, enter your zip code, and find the meeting nearest you. You can also get information on Driver Safety Courses and other services from the website www.aarp.org.
Q: Where can I get information about other community services?
A: Call 211 … 211 is an information and referral line operated by the United Way of the CSRA. You may also call 706-826-1495 to receive the service.
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