Each Senior Companion attends 40 hours of paid training when they join the program. They learn about the program and are presented with information from speakers and various organizations throughout the 2 week training period. Companions also attend a 4 hour paid in-service training every month where more information on helpful topics is presented. Special events are also included in the orientation and in-service schedule to provide Senior Companions with information that will be helpful in their assignments. These events also allow the Senior Companions to get acquainted with each other and share with each other their mutual interest in helping others.
Health Education: Heart Disease, Diabetes, Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Health, Alzheimer’s, Hospice, Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging, Visiting Nurses, Iowa Commission for the Blind, and more.
Financial Education: Social Security, County Extension Services, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Bank Services, Operation Threshold, Family Management, and more.
Program Information: Senior Companion program policies, acceptable/unacceptable tasks, appropriate companion behavior/responsibilities, appropriate client behavior/responsibilities, and more.
