September 7, 2006

CareNet Supports Senior Companions

The Panhandle Health District has received $400 from CareNet, a Kootenai County coalition of agencies, organizations and businesses that serve the senior population. The money will support the Senior Companion program, which matches healthy older adults with seniors who need help to live independently. Senior companions shop, read, offer rides to doctor appointments and perform other tasks that enable seniors to live on their own.

Bruce Weaver, CareNet president and president and CEO of Alternative Health Care in Post Falls, said the health care networking group raises money from dues to donate to programs that support seniors. CareNet also gave money to Heartland Crossing and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Panhandle Health District’s Senior Companions program always needs volunteers. Eligible adults:

• Are older than 60
• Can volunteer 20 hours per week
• Have limited income
• Love to help

Volunteers receive training, annual physical exams, supplemental insurance, help with meal and transportation costs and, for those eligible, small stipends. For more information, call the Home Health Senior Companion Program at 415-5160.

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