ATLANTA--In-Home Services of Catholic Social Services is actively seeking volunteers willing to become trained companions for the elderly in Atlanta and surrounding areas.

A training session for volunteer companions will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at St. Joseph's Hospital, 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road in Atlanta.

The training workshop will cover the normal aging process, listening and communication skills, assessment procedures, lifestyle choices for the aging, distinguishing healthy from unhealthy behaviors, home safety, visitation techniques, handling loss and grief, and mobility and transfer skills.

The volunteer conducts the initial assessment of the individual and develops a visitation plan depending upon the physical and mental capabilities of the person with whom they are matched. Volunteers visit their companion once or twice a week spending between two and four hours with him or her. A six-month commitment is requested.

Volunteers must be 21 years of age, have a desire to work with the elderly and have their own transportation.

For a registration form and more information call Larry Szuch at (404) 841-6411.