RSVP of Ingham, Eaton, & Clinton Counties
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The Senior Companion Program started nationally in 1974. Our volunteers serve locally in adult day care centers, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care centers.
Senior Companions help older adults with chronic and acute medical conditions and frailties maintain their highest level of independence through companionship and respite.
Volunteers that serve through the Senior Companion Program build caring, supportive relationships with older adults in need of companionship. Senior Companions increase social engagement through reminiscing, playing cards, going for walks, and otherwise provide support to help their client(s) maintain their physical, emotional, and cognitive health.
Currently along with serving clients at the following facilities:
- Aria Nursing and Rehab (formerly The Pines)
- Dimondale Nursing Care Center
- Elizabeth’s Place
- Helping Hands
- Holt Senior Care and Rehab Center
- Ingham County Medical Care Facility (ICMCF)
- Medilodge of Campus Area
- Medilodge of Capital Area
- Medilodge of East Lansing
- Medilodge of Lansing
- Mediloge of Okemos
- Older Adult Services (CMH)
- Older Adult Day Treatment (CMH)
- Regency at Lansing West
- Tri County Office on Aging (TCOA)
The individuals helped by Senior Companions receive:
- Social support
- Cognitive engagement
- Encouragement to remain active
- A watchful eye to notice when they need extra care
- A friendship that can last a lifetime
What do senior companions do?
- Going for walks
- Sitting and talking
- Doing crafts and board games
- Reading to the client
- Assisting with meal preparation
- Helping with mail or dealing with the public
- Assisting with shopping and/or medical appointments
- Providing respite for caregivers
- Providing non-medical support
As Senior Companion if you meet income qualifications (200% of the federal poverty level or lower) you receive a tax free monetary stipend monthly as well as transportation and meals while serving, along with:
- Pre-service and on-going training
- An annual physical examination
- Supplemental liability insurance
- A tax-exempt stipend including paid leave and holidays
- Invitation to recognition events
- Assistance with meal costs while volunteering
Senior Companions are required to serve at least 15 per week. Stipend, meal and travel reimbursements are not considered income and do not interfere with Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare benefits.
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!