CLAYTON HEINEMANN

Clayton is a volunteer with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, Senior Companion Program. Clayton is a Senior Companion serving homebound male seniors in their homes without receiving a stipend as other Companions receive. He is only reimbursed a lunch allowance and a small mileage allowance. Clayton visits 3 or 4 male clients per week for 2 to 4 hours per day, 4 days a week.

Clayton meets a real need for volunteers to visit elderly male clients. Clayton has improved the quality of life for the seniors he visits. He encourages them to be as independent as possible despite their particular limitations. Clayton’s consumers say he is very caring and helpful and never says no to any request while giving 101%.

He provides a respite relief for the caregiver of one of his consumers. Another consumer welcomes his visits to “shoot the breeze.” All of the male consumers he visits are between the ages of 77 and 91 years of age. Clayton’s supervisor has only positive comments about him, as he goes above and beyond the requirements of a Senior Companion. He has consistently been a dependable and caring companion meeting his consumers’ individual needs. Clayton encourages his wheelchair bound client to independently dress and groom himself, thereby being as independent as he can be.

In addition to volunteering as a Senior Companion 4 days per week, Clayton also volunteers every Wednesday for the “Meals on Wheels” program.

Most Senior Companions in this Federally-funded program receive a small tax-free stipend. Clayton has not been deterred from serving the consumers who welcome his visits, even without the stipend. He continues to serve their needs without the incentive of a stipend payment. Clayton is very deserving of this award.