Homebound seniors get in-home help from their peers

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Some homebound seniors in Tampa are getting help from a group of volunteers who are in their peer group.

The Seniors in Service Companion Program pairs people 55+ with homebound seniors to help them keep their independence by providing compassionate care.

At 77, Bernice has been volunteering with Seniors in Service for 17 years.

"I love what I do," Bernice said. "I love taking care of people."

FOX 13 came along while she made a visit to Helen, a homebound senior citizen living in Tampa. 

"Oh, I love her. She's the best," Helen said with a laugh. "She's so sweet."

Senior in Service is about creating loving relationships through acts of compassion. Their mission seems to be working.

"A lot of times they feel very lonely. They become depressed, but when they start receiving the companionship from their senior companion volunteer, you can see the physical change, faces light up," explained Tammy Crirolo of Seniors in Service. 

The program was started in 1984 and now has 80 senior volunteers and a waiting list of more than 400 seniors needing their service. For more information, visit www.seniorsinservice.org.