Catholic Charities' CompanionCare: An Ongoing Success

By: Eve B. Scheffenacker
Catholic Charities of Madison recently observed the 10th anniversary of its CompanionCare program. Designed to provide affordable in-home support for elders and their families, the program began with a staff of one Companion for its one client. Within months, they had to hire two more Companions to work with a growing list of clients. Since 1999, more than 400 seniors have benefited from the program's individualized services that allowed them to remain independent and active in their homes and communities.

The program's Companions are experienced caregivers who enjoy friendships with elders and include health care professionals. Depending on the client's needs and situation, they may help with daily living activities and meal preparation; provide advice on nutrition and exercise, as well as transportation and light housekeeping. Above all, they live up to their titles, building a genuine relationship with each client. Clients, family members and case managers express gratitude and respect for the work of the program and its Companions in meeting seniors' needs.

C-Cap to Meet a Special Need
In 2006, A Fund for Women awarded a grant to Catholic Charities to support the CompanionCare's Alzheimer's Program (CCAP) that provides dementia-specific respite care for family caregivers. Headed up by Dementia Specialist, Susan Rutter, CCAP serves families caring for individuals affected by complex mid-stage Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. Rutter trains and supports other CompanionCare Companionsand provides specialized dementia training for members of Respite Care Team Ministry, another program of Catholic Charities Aging Services.

The CCAP staff also trains and supports family caregivers to help them deal with the confusion and behavior issues of family members with dementia. The staff is now considering how the program might address the growing need for transitional respite for clients who move from home to assisted living.

"We are honored to be included in the AFFW grant program," says Beverly Tillich, Director of Aging Services for Catholic Charities. In reality, the honor is all ours.