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Show II II 4 Elderly help peers in companion program By KELLY WIESE 1088 East 390 South American Fork chemotherapy and her own visits. "She's been my best friend for over 51 years," he said. Harold Woodford, 74, has been helping out with cooking, even making macaroni and cheese from scratch, too, since his wife has been ill. "Have you ever burned water? I have," he joked, leaning in a rocking chair in their ranch-stylHays home. ' The companion program also helps them pay medical bills, since not all treatments are covered by Medicare. Annabelle Woodford, a I'll an i 763-062- 2 , doctors' Associated Press Writer HAYS, Kan. (AP) Paying the bills. Balancing the checkbook. Shopping for groceries. Going to the doctor. They all sound like routine chores, but they can be overwhelming for seniors with health problems. For those struggling to accomplish life's daily tasks, the senior companion program in a area of Kansas can help. The program was one of the first in the nation when it began at Fort Hays State University 26 years ago. Funded by a federal grant, the project connects poor, elderly Kansans who can still get around with those who often need help just to leave home. It provides a friend for elderly people who need one, plus a small stipend and other fringe benefits for the companions. "The whole focus of the program is to get older people on limited incomes involved in providing services to other frail elderly folk to help them stay independent," said Jolene Niernberger, the program's director. About 150 volunteers have served more than 500 seniors already this year, Niernberger said. Among the volunteers are Harold and Annabelle Woodford, who have been involved with the program for several years. They have been forced to cut back lately because she has cancer. Harold Woodford is a companion to Art, an man who is partially blind and had a knee replaced last year. He and Art go out for coffee and to the grocery store. He also takes him to the doctor, to get his hair cut, and for physical therapy. "We just generally have a good time. We enjoy one another," Woodford said. Annabelle Woodford added: "I'd be to say who has benefited the most in that. Unfortunately, my condition has limited him." He squeezes all that in between taking his wife for nine-count- y west-centr- ld hard-presse- d i'i ifili.riki Continuing Core ReriremenCommuniry e Are You Looking... white scarf around her head, trying not to doze because of the medication she's taking, said she still finds energy to be a companion now and then. For some, she helps balance checkbooks and pay to downsize your home? to reduce maintenance on your home & yard? for more money, to help you enjoy life more fully? for more security and convenience. bills, especially widows whose husbands always handled the finances. To others, she just reads the newspaper or a book. "They're able in their own way. They like to be without giving up your live style and interests. kwi xtfo (Si jlv! gp liJfjHi she said. Plan Pauline Rosebaugh, meanwhile, has been a companion for 18 years, and her mother was a companion before her. On a day of her supposed vacation from volunteering, Rosebaugh stopped to sing the praises of the program. But that was only after she brought one woman home from the hospital and before she ran to the grocery store for another. Rosebaugh, 78, often brings prayer books to encourage people on her visits. Sometimes she just sits with them, reading or watching television. "Big hugs mean a lot," she said. "They love that attention. We're ones that can love them." Rosebaugh said she gets lonely on weekends, wondering how everyone is getting along. The volunteers said all their efforts pay off in the end. "The nice thing to me is the old folks have people that make them feel needed," said Annabelle They have a way of working themselves into your heart." Plan AA ,200 1,090 699 904 1 Plan A Plan B PlanC PlanD PlanE PlanF 1,058 891 600 $1 34,900 $127,500 $86,900 $99,900 $126,500 $98,000 $74,900 financing available as low as $583 OAC based on 5 ALL PROS REALTY A 1 HM V ..it- BedroomBath Cost Sq. Ft. 2 bedroom 1 bath 2 bedroom 1 bath 1 bedroom 1 bath 1 bedroom 1 bath 2 bedroom 1 bath 1 bedroom 1 bath 1 bedroom 1 bath Down 8.25 P'Zl STANLEY B. SMTTH ' Interest FAX (801)343-322- BUS., 1801) RESIDENCE FRANKIE BARLOW, GRI, CRS REALTOR REALTOR 140 NORTH American 100 EAST (PO. BOX 351) 840C3 Mulli Million Dollar Producer Fork, Utah Buiimu fell Free COLDWEU BANKER WEST REALTY Fax 455 NORTH Roger 801 Residence 801 PROVO, Mmrtf Oorwl md OpaflK) UvnMr UNIVERST1Y AVE., nf CrtMi Bartv Rauttnoal UlriM. 201 84601 Mobile Call Hi UT 37X-030- 3 Kc Glass Act will waive up to $125.00 of your Insurance Deductablc (all For Dcuill Sail Lake 4 Woodford. . 5 Money king Coupons in Hay's Daily Herald Glass Act ProvoOrem 373-87- Hot. Fret Mobile Service! Op den Area 2 vvww.HarkTheHerald.com |
