Promoting companion development with effective in-service trainings and resources

SLCAS holds monthly in-service trainings for their volunteers. To keep the sessions engaging and relevant to all volunteers, they use these sessions as an opportunity to invite outside experts to address the group. For example, an expert on memory loss discussed techniques that can build rapport with people who have memory problems. In-service meetings are also used to familiarize Senior Companions with community resources that might help their clients, including speakers about driver testing and heating assistance programs available to local seniors.
 
To augment the trainings, SLCAS has compiled a resource book entitled 55+, which contains a detailed list of health-related services such as medical clinics, in-home care services, and mental health counselors, as well as other general information about libraries, consumer protection agencies, and financial counseling centers. This resource helps the Senior Companions customize their service to individual clients and to serve as advocates for clients beyond the daily routine.