Senior Companion Program

“Serving With Compassion – Caring as Friends”

Nationally funded by Congress in 1974, this program began in 1988 at West Georgia Health System. The Senior Companion Program is based on the simple idea that the best way to help people is to help them help each other.

Senior Companion volunteers must be at least 60 years of age, low income, no longer in the regular workforce, and willing to volunteer four hours per day, five days per week. Handicapped persons are welcome to serve.

Senior Companion volunteers receive a modest tax-free stipend to cover the cost of volunteering – transportation and meal assistance, accident and liability insurance, a uniform, and an annual physical exam.

Senior Companion volunteers serve frail older adults and their caregivers, adults with disabilities, and those with terminal illnesses. They provide companionship and friendship to isolated frail seniors. Senior Companions assist with simple household chores and provide transportation. They add richness to client’s lives.