The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Elder Options is starting a new program called the Senior Care Companions, which pairs young seniors who want to stay involved in the community after retirement, with seniors who need help with everyday activities of daily living. The paid positions help retired seniors stretch retirement income by joining the program, yet provide an affordable resource for older seniors who are recovering from illness or surgery and want to remain in their homes. There are no age restrictions for any of the three job types being recruited, however the Senior Care Companions specialize with the 50 and older age group.

Elder Options has been in the business of helping seniors in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties for the past 25 years, yet more calls are now coming fromAC Wahkiakum county and the supply of caregivers needs expanding. So a special effort has been started to recruit and train residents of Wahkiakum county as Care Companions, caregivers and housekeepers. Care Companions assist lonely seniors with companionship, errands, transportation and some meal preparation. Those seniors with more medical needs can be assigned a certified caregiver or certified nursing assistant. Housekeeping is needed by all age groups. Elder Options provides training for all three classifications.

Anyone interested in attending a free orientation or who have questions can call Nancy Verhei, the program coordinator for Wahkiakum county, at Elder Options 360-636-1000. A program will be coordinated based on response from Wahkiakum seniors. Elder Options is located at 872 15th Ave., Longview.