Senior Companion Program

Related Resources

Senior Companions program information on nationalservice.gov

Members of the Senior Companion Program (SCP) are low-income people 55 years of age and over. They serve 15-40 hours per week helping an average of two to four adult clients live independently in their own homes. Senior Companions receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where they serve, supplemental insurance while on duty, and may qualify to earn a tax-free hourly stipend.

Senior Companions provide home visits and personal assistance to elders who are often struggling to remain living independently in their own residence rather than exist in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Members of SCP are advocates for the elderly who may suffer from chronic health conditions, be physically and/or emotionally disabled, or otherwise require the help of a caring and knowledgeable friend and advocate.

In Washington, there are four SCP projects in which over 170 Senior Companions assist homebound elderly with shopping, paying bills and understanding Medicare policies and procedures; provide respite to care givers who have a family member afflicted with Alzheimer's disease; assist the elderly who are attempting to recover from alcoholism receive appropriate treatment, while providing needed counsel, companionship support; arrange for the required support services and provide advocacy for elderly patients who have recently been discharged from a hospital or other medical facility. This is a limited but representative sample of community service activities whereby Senior Companions improve the quality of life of older persons who benefit when there is a friend/advocate willing to represent their best interests.