Senior Companion Program
The Senior Companion Program, established in 1974, connects volunteers age 55 and over with adults needing support to remain independent. Activities include helping with simple chores, providing transportation to appointments, monitoring medication, providing respite care and offering contact to the community. Companions help aging Americans maintain their dignity and quality of life while enriching their own lives through service.
Both Senior Companions and those served receive significant, long-term health benefits from their participation, including reduced rates of depression, increased social ties and perceived social support. Families are strengthened through respite services provided to family caregivers. Senior Companion services are provided at no cost to the recipient.
Senior Companions serve between 5 and 40 hours per week. Income eligible volunteers receive a stipend of $4.00 per hour for their service. They also receive accident and liability insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits.
The Senior Companion Program is part of AmeriCorps Seniors, along with RSVP and the Foster Grandparent Program. AmeriCorps Seniors programs are administered by AmeriCorps, the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nations's most pressing challenges.
Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging | FHSU Foster Grandparent Program