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Senior Companion program says rural recruitment and income rules limit volunteer capacity
Summary
Kelly Moody, director of the Senior Companion Program at Rocky Mountain Development Council Inc., told Madison County commissioners the program has two volunteers in Sheridan serving five clients and faces recruitment limits because federal income-eligibility rules for volunteers reduce the applicant pool.
Kelly Moody, director of the Senior Companion Program for Rocky Mountain Development Council Inc., briefed the Madison County Board of Commissioners on the program's services and staffing in the county. Moody said the program helps homebound seniors and adults with disabilities maintain independence through transportation, companionship and respite for caregivers, and that volunteers typically commit about four hours one day per week but schedules are flexible.
Moody told commissioners that Madison County currently has two volunteers in Sheridan serving five clients and that recruitment is difficult because federal income-eligibility rules for volunteers limit who can participate. She also described a federal grant structure that requires the program to provide 10% in-kind support from local partners.
Why it matters: In rural counties, limited volunteer capacity reduces the reach of services that help frail older adults remain in the community and relieve caregiver burden. Moody encouraged continued county support and noted the program could expand with more volunteers and local backing.
Moody said the program's main site in Ruby Valley Medical Center has two volunteers supporting five clients and that the agency is open to additional coordination with county senior-services staff to identify recruitment strategies.
The commissioners thanked Moody for the update; no action was taken at the work session.
