Mabyn Walters does not want to spend her golden years sitting around. So when Walters, 82, had to end her career as a nursing aid, she still continued to help people.
Sam Tenney / The Citizen
Mabyn Walters has been spending time with seniors through the Senior Companions program for more than 10 years. Walters is one of seven such volunteers in Cayuga County.
Mabyn Walters has been spending time with seniors through the Senior Companions program for more than 10 years. Walters is one of seven such volunteers in Cayuga County.
Walters is one of more than 60 volunteers throughout the region in the Senior Companions program. The federally-funded community service organization takes volunteers and pairs them with senior citizens to offer assistance and friendship.
Four days a week, she walks to the Mercy Health & Rehabilitation Center, next door to her Auburn apartment. At the center, she plays rummy, does crafts, takes a walk and participates in other activities with two of the center's residents.
On the fifth day, she does the same with a resident at a nursing home.
“It keeps me busy, and it keeps me active,” Walters said. “It gives me something to do. I think I would be very bored if I was not doing this.”
The Senior Companions program exists to provide supportive services to seniors with physical, mental or emotional limitations while helping them maintain the highest possible level of independent living, according to Larry Crinnin, program director.
But another goal is to enhance the self-esteem of the participants while offering this community service, he said.
“We're working to enhance people's lives,” Crinnin said. “At the same time, we can alleviate symptoms of depression and isolation in the community.”
The Senior Companions program is unique in that it assists those who administer and receive its services, Crinnin said.
There are two requirements one must meet in order to be a senior companion: you have to be at least 60 years of age, and your income must be below a set level. The program has these rules because Senior Companions are given a modest stipend for their services, Crinnin said.
“It enables people to participate with no cost to themselves,” he said.
There are no requirements for people to receive services from Senior Companions, and the services are free.
Though they do not carry out any personal medical aid, Senior Companions do a wide range of activities with clients. Some will drive their companions for errands or appointments. Others will just chat over a cup of coffee.
Companions usually spend one or two days a week together.
“We provide companionship, and that can be as basic as a conversation,” said Barbara Block, the program's volunteer coordinator. “Our volunteers are listening and taking walks with their companions, or maybe helping out with a light lunch.”
Block said program's volunteers serve Cayuga, Onondaga and Madison counties. Seven work locally, and she is currently looking for a couple more in the area. She screens applicants over the phone in order to make sure they meet the requirements.
New volunteers receive training on policies and procedures and sit down with Block to figure out who and what would be proper matches for each individual.
Block then makes the connections between the volunteers and the clients, most of whom are referred from other organizations. The program works closely with the county health department and other volunteer stations, she said.
“We get a lot of calls from families or spouses of people with Alzheimer's or dementia, or other serious problems,” said Block, who has worked with Senior Companions for 17 years. “But we also get a lot of people who are just plain alone and who need a friend.”
Block said that many of the volunteers in Cayuga County are new, but she manages people who have been part of the program for 15 to 20 years. Last year, Walters was recognized for 10 years of service with the program.
The volunteers like Walters are always very committed and go “above and beyond” for their clients, Block said. But for Walters, it is something to keep her busy.
“I like to be with them,” Walters said of her companions. “And I don't want to be a couch potato.”
Four days a week, she walks to the Mercy Health & Rehabilitation Center, next door to her Auburn apartment. At the center, she plays rummy, does crafts, takes a walk and participates in other activities with two of the center's residents.
On the fifth day, she does the same with a resident at a nursing home.
“It keeps me busy, and it keeps me active,” Walters said. “It gives me something to do. I think I would be very bored if I was not doing this.”
The Senior Companions program exists to provide supportive services to seniors with physical, mental or emotional limitations while helping them maintain the highest possible level of independent living, according to Larry Crinnin, program director.
But another goal is to enhance the self-esteem of the participants while offering this community service, he said.
“We're working to enhance people's lives,” Crinnin said. “At the same time, we can alleviate symptoms of depression and isolation in the community.”
The Senior Companions program is unique in that it assists those who administer and receive its services, Crinnin said.
There are two requirements one must meet in order to be a senior companion: you have to be at least 60 years of age, and your income must be below a set level. The program has these rules because Senior Companions are given a modest stipend for their services, Crinnin said.
“It enables people to participate with no cost to themselves,” he said.
There are no requirements for people to receive services from Senior Companions, and the services are free.
Though they do not carry out any personal medical aid, Senior Companions do a wide range of activities with clients. Some will drive their companions for errands or appointments. Others will just chat over a cup of coffee.
Companions usually spend one or two days a week together.
“We provide companionship, and that can be as basic as a conversation,” said Barbara Block, the program's volunteer coordinator. “Our volunteers are listening and taking walks with their companions, or maybe helping out with a light lunch.”
Block said program's volunteers serve Cayuga, Onondaga and Madison counties. Seven work locally, and she is currently looking for a couple more in the area. She screens applicants over the phone in order to make sure they meet the requirements.
New volunteers receive training on policies and procedures and sit down with Block to figure out who and what would be proper matches for each individual.
Block then makes the connections between the volunteers and the clients, most of whom are referred from other organizations. The program works closely with the county health department and other volunteer stations, she said.
“We get a lot of calls from families or spouses of people with Alzheimer's or dementia, or other serious problems,” said Block, who has worked with Senior Companions for 17 years. “But we also get a lot of people who are just plain alone and who need a friend.”
Block said that many of the volunteers in Cayuga County are new, but she manages people who have been part of the program for 15 to 20 years. Last year, Walters was recognized for 10 years of service with the program.
The volunteers like Walters are always very committed and go “above and beyond” for their clients, Block said. But for Walters, it is something to keep her busy.
“I like to be with them,” Walters said of her companions. “And I don't want to be a couch potato.”
