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Theresa Williams

Theresa Williams

Theresa Williams has been a volunteer at Blair Senior Services, Inc. for 6 years as a Senior Companion.
Theresa, who was forced into retirement after an injury, started to feel like she needed something else and wanted to supplement her income. “After a few years, I had some boredom and wanted to do something else. I enjoy taking care of people so the Senior Companion Program was perfect for me,” she said.
As a Senior Companion, Theresa assists consumers by providing assistance around the home, sharing in conversation about past memories, or even attending social events together.
“I enjoy being a Senior Companion because I enjoy building those relationships,” Theresa said. “I love being able to make them laugh and to see that I am making a difference in their day.”
Along with all of the other companionship roles, Theresa can also provide transportation when needed for her consumers. “I always enjoy taking them grocery shopping. I think it’s fun to take them out to the store, and it’s nice to see them getting out. We always have a lot of fun,” Theresa commented.
Along with being a Senior Companion, Theresa also works as a Certified Nurses Aid (CNA) at Hillview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and assists with activities and breakfast at Allegany Lutheran Social Ministries (ALSM) for the residents. She is also a family caregiver, taking care of her mother full-time.
“I’m a very busy person, so my time with my clients through the Senior Companion Program is really helpful to me. It’s very relaxing,” she said. “It lets me press pause on my day to really focus on the clients and assisting them.”
Along with the relaxation, Theresa feels with being a Senior Companion, she’s also found a second family. “My clients have become like a second family to me. There are some that I just have a great relationship with and we share so many things together,” she shared.
Above all, Theresa enjoys the rewarding aspects of her role the most. “It’s very rewarding to be there for people and to help them with every day things,” she stated. “I never would’ve pictured myself doing something that I love so much. Blair Senior Services has really helped me along the way and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
If you are interested in volunteering for Blair Senior Services, Inc.’s Senior Companion Program, please call 814-946-1235.

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05/20/2021

​Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging today announced that older adults who will soon be turning 65 and are not yet enrolled in Medicare can attend a free virtual event to learn about their healthcare coverage options when enrolling for Medicare.

 

The "Welcome to Medicare" event on June 23, open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., will feature national presentations from the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs on Medicare eligibility, enrollment and coverage options. Representatives will be available to answer questions and assist older adults with information to enable them to make choices on Medicare coverage that best meets their needs and lowers their costs.

 

In Pennsylvania, this program is known as APPRISE. Throughout the national presentation, staff from APPRISE will host an exhibit for Pennsylvania and will respond to Medicare questions and provide information about the program. The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE) – Pennsylvania's Senior Medicare Patrol – also will join APPRISE to discuss Medicare fraud prevention.

 

"We encourage anyone who is turning 65 soon to join our Virtual Welcome to Medicare Fair. Pennsylvania's Medicare Counseling Program is here to help older adults learn about signing up and navigating the complexities of Medicare, avoiding late enrollment penalties, and preventing fraud," said Susan Neff, APPRISE director. "We also invite those who attend to visit the Pennsylvania-specific virtual exhibit at any time during the event. The APPRISE and CARIE staff look forward to chatting with seniors about their Medicare enrollment concerns."

 

Older adults can register for this event here

 

The APPRISE Program has nearly 800 trained counselors in the commonwealth who provide free, confidential, objective, and easy-to-understand information about original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplement plans, and allows Medicare beneficiaries to compare plans and determine what best meets their needs and save them money.

To learn more about the APPRISE Program or becoming a volunteer, click here or call the APPRISE Helpline at 1-800-783-7067 .

MEDIA CONTACT: Jack Eilber, agingcomms@pa.gov

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Department Of Aging: June 23 Medicare Event Welcomes Future Beneficiaries With Information On Eligibility, Coverage Options