Senior Companion Program is a peer-to-peer program where caring senior volunteers befriend homebound seniors in their community. The program is designed to foster independence among seniors by engaging them in community service, providing them companionship opportunities, and offer respite to both professional and family caregivers.
Senior Companion Program
Who manages the Senior Companion Program?
The Senior Companion Program is operated by Christian Senior Services, but is part of a national program called Senior Corps. Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities.
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How does the program work?
To be involved with the program, you can sign-up as either a volunteer (referred to as a Senior Companion) or as a client (an individual who is provided a companion). Each person is evaluated by our professional staff and paired according to common interests and location. The friendship that develops between client and companion combats loneliness and improves the quality of life of both.
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Who can become a volunteer (Senior Companion)?
Experience or special skill is not necessary to become a Senior Companion, simply time and an interest in helping another person live independently. The two main requirements to become a Senior Companion are age (55 years of age or older) and willingness to commit to at least 15 hours a week of volunteer service. Before a volunteer (Senior Companion) is assigned a client, they are required to participate in a 40-hr training session, be cleared for service by their personal physician, and pass a criminal background check. Every volunteer is required to attend monthly in-service meetings throughout their tenure. Also, reimbursement is offered for transportation costs and a tax-free stipend is availabe to those with limited income.
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What are the responsibilities of a Senior Companion?
Senior Companions are asked to befriend their client and help them maintain their independence. This can be accomplished by helping clients with daily living tasks, playing games, having meaningful conversation, writing letters and/or helping with their favorite hobbies. Mostly, Senior Companions are asked to keep a watchful eye on their client to ensure they attend doctor’s appointments, are taking their daily medication, and to notice when any extra care is needed. This friendship is often the encouragement individuals need to remain active and keep them from feeling isolated and alone.
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What type of clients do we serve?
Companionship is provided to elderly individuals who may be frail, isolated, homebound, recovering from illness or surgery, and who may receive little to no support from friends or family. The program also provides respite to family caregivers in need of a break from their caregiver responsibilities.
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Is there a cost to participants of the program?
There is no charge to the client or any other member of the household for companionship services.
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How do I refer myself (or someone) to receive services?
An organization, family member, friend or neighbor may call on behalf of a client to request a Companion. It is essential that the client be aware and supportive of the referral as the success of the program is based on the friendship that develops between client and companion. The following are ways to refer someone to the program…
- Call the Senior Companion Program at (210) 599 – 7405
- Fill out and submit a “Refer For Service” form by
clicking here
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