Who are Senior Companions?

Senior Companions are healthy older adults who help other adults live independently and provide support to family caregivers.  Some of the services a senior companion provides are:

• Light housework such as helping do laundry, dishes, or dusting and other light cleaning.
• Grocery shopping once per week or other necessary errands
• Medication Reminder
• Meal Preparation
• Provide companionship – sit and visit, play games e.g., dominos, cards
• Accompany client to doctor, meal site, or recreational site
• Provide respite for family member who provides 24 hour care.

Without the help of Senior Companions, many older adults would not be able to continue living at home and would need more expensive, less personal care.

How to become a Companion to someone
Can you be a Senior Companion to someone?

Federal guidelines determine that a senior companion must:

• Be 55 years of age
• Have an annual income below $21,780 as a single individual
• Pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting.

Additionally:

• The companion must attend an orientation prior to working with clients as well as attend monthly in-service trainings.
• Companions may work up to 20 hours per week.
• Companions currently receive a stipend of $3.15 an hour.

Senior Companions become part of a team of caregivers.  They alert doctors and family members to potential health problems.  Senior Companions also provide short periods of relief to primary caregivers such as family members.

You don’t need medical or technical skills to be a Senior Companion.  All you need to know is how to be a friend.

Senior Companions offer adults contact with the world outside of their homes and make their lives less lonely.  Along the way, Senior Companions find out that few things feel as good as knowing you’re needed.

Your Benefits.
As a Senior Companion, you’ll receive:

• Pre-service and on-going training;
• An annual physical examination;
• Supplemental insurance;
• Help with meal and transportation costs;
• A small stipend for those who qualify; and
• The joy of helping others live on their own.

Others Benefit
The individuals helped by Senior Companions receive:

• Assistance with important daily tasks;
• Encouragement to remain active;
• A helping hand to make sure they take their medicine;
• A watchful eye to notice when they need extra care; and
• A friendship that can last a lifetime.