In the Town of H Hempstead we offer premium services for our senior population. Among the finest offerings of our Department of Senior Enrichment is our HATS (Home Aides To Seniors) program.

Through this program our senior residents are able to remain in the communities where they raised families while receiving proper supportive services.

The HATS aides assist seniors with tasks such as food shopping, meal preparation, light dusting and vacuuming, changing the linens and doing laundry. They may also participate in some recreational activities with the senior.

Applicants who are interested in becoming home aides are interviewed and screened very carefully. Prospective companions attend a four-day training seminar. At the seminar the aides are provided with professional instruction in nutrition, Alzheimer's information, drug and alcohol interaction, low-impact exercises, income tax resources and senior citizen entitlements.

The spring training seminar will be conducted Tuesday, May 14, through Friday, May 17, at the offices of the Department of Senior Enrichment, located at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead. Once applicants have completed the training seminar they are put in contact with elderly town residents who have expressed an interest in having a support companion. The companion is an independent contractor who is paid by the client. The senior and the aide agree upon the hours of employment, but there is a three-hour per day minimum policy.

Those who are interested in becoming a HATS companion should call (516) 485-8100, ext. 281 to schedule an appointment for an interview. Interviews will be held Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 8.

Seniors who are interested in having the assistance of a HATS companion may call the Department of Senior Enrichment (485-8100) for further information.

I encourage those who are looking for employment and those who feel that they would benefit from having the companionship of a HATS aide to take advantage of this program.