Senior Companions
Are you one of the millions of Americans who has worked all your life looking forward to the day when you can retire and enjoy your leisure only to find yourself bored and restless now that the time has finally come? If so why not look to volunteerism as a way of enriching your life while, at the same time, providing assistance and support to others in need. Senior Corps, managed by the Corporation for National and Community Service, offers three programs from which volunteers aged 55 and over can choose according to their specific talents, skills, and interests.
What is the Senior Companion Program About?
Another program offered by Senior Corps is the Senior Companion Program. With this program the volunteer is matched with elderly people in the community who need assistance with normal everyday tasks. The volunteer contributes 15-40 hours every week shopping, running errands, or performing household chores for as many as four elderly individuals.
How Can I Help?
A Senior Companion can do as little as keeping a home bound senior company, to running errands, household chores or anything in between. This gives the individual you are helping solace knowing there is someone who cares and is willing to put in the extra effort for them. Some of these people are alone and have no one. It also may give their caregiver some time off. It does not take much to show someone you care, but your little effort can go a long way in making them feel needed and wanted.
What Is Necessary?
Some Senior Companions volunteer as much as 40 hours a week. This is not necessary, whatever time you have is wonderful. Depending on your level of service you may even qualify for an hourly stipend which is tax free. You will receive training and guidance as well as supplemental accident and liability insurance.
The opportunities with Senior Corps are nearly limitless. So are the rewards.
Related posts:
- How Do Senior Companions Benefit The Community?
- Who Can Become A Senior Companion Volunteer?
- Are There Elder Programs For An Active Senior?
- Can Anyone Volunteer With Senior Corps?
- Are Retired Volunteers Better?
9 Responses to “Senior Companions”
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May be interested in becoming a senior volunteer.
Would like more info about the program.
Thank you,
Bob
i also am interested in volunteering,i am interested in the grand parents program and the senior companions but, i would also like something to supplement my income,what do you suggest
I’m looking for a senior companion for my father who is 92 and lives 100 miles away from me. He is pretty active but lives alone and I worry about him alot. How do I get a senior companion for him? and does it cost anything?
I am very interested in the Senior Companion program in my area. I know there are a lot of people out there that need help or a friend and I want to help. Just imagine if we ALL helped someone out there even just a little bit, what a kinder world this would be.
This is a great idea, I dont think that we have a program like this one in Montreal Canada, however you’ve inspired me to get something similar going.
Thanks
Interested in Senior Companion or Foster Grandparent in Arlington, TX area
Interested in helping folks that are in need. I have time on my hands, and I would like to contribute to the older population. I would like to help in my area. Thank you, Judith
I got your website from the Family Cargiver Alliance website. It says the following about your organization “Companionship to care recipients” but I find nothing on your website about locating a volunteer to come spend an hour a week with my recently widowed 96 year old father. Please advise-Kim
I am a Senior Companion Program Director, mu project covers five counties. There are six projects in the state. Go on the cns.gov website, put in your state and it will give you the contact to find out if the program is in your area.