Seniors In Service
We all know someone whose
aging mother or grandfather needs
a hand. Their finances or health are
running out, yet many won’t ask for
help. How can they remain living
independently, with dignity? Seniors
in Service volunteers are GEARED
UP TO SERVE!
Seniors in Service engages
volunteers aged 55+ to provide
Senior Companion Services.
Volunteers get background-checks
and expert training. Volunteers
and clients are matched based on
interests, culture and skills, building
enduring relationships that help
them both. The heartwarming
stories tell it best.
Joanne lives alone, with no
support from family or friends. Frail
and legally blind, she’s grateful to
Christine, who volunteers to provide
in-home senior companionship.
Christine offers friendship, help
with Activities of Daily Living, and
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46 | SouthShore 2021 COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE
a watchful eye for any unmet needs.
Joanne says Christine changed her
life. “She really cares...You got a
treasure with her and now she is
mine.”
Volunteers also help overwhelmed
caregivers, offering respite to better
care for their loved ones. After 65
years of marriage, Daisy and Peter
shared a lifetime of memories. When
Peter’s dementia turned Daisy into
full-time caregiver, never-ending
demands impacted her health.
Senior Companion David shared
Peter’s love for dominoes and helped
with errands. Daisy found time
to enjoy life with friends. With all
David did to improve their lives,
he insists they’re the ones who
improved his.
For Jim, TelePals offers a lifeline.
As a veteran, he’s conditioned to
never ask for help. Doctor visits are
one place he finds connection. In
the waiting room, he sees a flyer
stating: “You’ve Got a Friend!”
An invitation to call Seniors in
Service. Inexplicably, he makes the
call: “I am 70 and I have nobody.”
TelePals offers socialization and
wellness-checks through telephone
neighborhood associations, civic
groups, and community leaders.
This South Shore Community
Resource Guide is the perfect
example of the community
collaboration and teamwork
required to make our area the best
place to live.
Although we continue to decrease
the Hillsborough County crime
rate, we are not immune to crime.
reassurance. For some, it’s the only
conversation they have all day.
Enrolment is easy by phone or www.
TelePalNow.org. Kevin, a retired
businessman, enrolled to volunteer.
As a veteran, he shares a special
bond with others who’ve served our
country. Kevin shares, “We share
experiences from our past and daily
lives…We get serious but also laugh
a lot…It’s the highlight of my day.”
Volunteers also serve at local food
pantries to help the 1 in 6 seniors
experiencing food-insecurity. Anita
at Our Lady of Guadalupe pantry
shared this note: “I don’t know your
names, but I know your hearts.
Thank you.”
Got an hour? Give an hour!
Seniors in Service offers
opportunities to volunteer safely,
either remotely or in-person while
social-distancing. Learn more:
www.seniorsinservice.org or
follow us on www.facebook.com/
seniorsinservice.
Some of the most prevalent crimes
occurring in the South Shore area
are financial and economic scams.
Normally these scammers target
the elderly, the perpetrators are
not picky and will elicit money
from anyone. These scams include
the Government Impersonation
Scam, Identity Theft, the Romance
Scam, Microsoft Scam, and the
Grandparent Scam.
Most of these scams can be
prevented with some training,
education, and due diligence. The
Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office
provides education and awareness
through various methods, including
brochures, seminars, and other
community outreach to help people
avoid being victimized.
Call 813-252-5515 for more
information
/TelePalNow.org
/www.seniorsinservice.org
/
