RSVP of Ingham, Eaton, & Clinton Counties
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The Senior Companion Program, established nationally in 1974, connects compassionate older adult volunteers with seniors who need companionship, encouragement, and social support. Locally, our Senior Companion volunteers serve in adult day centers, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care communities, and other community-based settings, helping older adults remain engaged, connected, and as independent as possible.
Senior Companions provide one of the greatest gifts a person can receive—the gift of friendship. Through regular visits and meaningful interactions, volunteers help reduce loneliness and isolation while promoting emotional well-being and enhancing quality of life.
How Senior Companions Make a Difference
Senior Companions build caring, supportive relationships with older adults experiencing chronic health conditions, disabilities, or the challenges that often accompany aging. Volunteers encourage social interaction and meaningful engagement through activities such as:
Visiting and enjoying conversation
Going for walks
Playing cards and board games
Reading books or newspapers
Working on crafts and hobbies
Reminiscing and sharing life stories
Providing encouragement and emotional support
Offering companionship that helps foster confidence and independence
By spending time together, Senior Companions help support their clients' physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being while bringing comfort, joy, and reassurance to everyday life.
The Benefits to Those We Serve
Individuals paired with a Senior Companion receive:
Meaningful social connection and companionship
Cognitive stimulation and conversation
Encouragement to remain physically and mentally active
A caring presence that can recognize changes and alert staff when additional assistance may be needed
A trusted friendship that often lasts for years
Benefits of Becoming a Senior Companion
If you are 55 years of age or older and meet the program's income eligibility guidelines (200% of the Federal Poverty Level or below), you may qualify to receive a tax-free stipend while serving your community.
Program benefits include:
Tax-free monthly stipend
Transportation reimbursement while volunteering
Assistance with meal costs during service
Pre-service orientation and ongoing training
Annual physical examination
Supplemental liability insurance
Paid leave and holidays
Recognition events celebrating your service
The satisfaction of making a lasting difference in someone's life
The stipend, meal assistance, and transportation reimbursements are not considered income and do not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, or other qualifying public benefits.
Service Commitment
Senior Companions serve a minimum of 20 hours per week, providing dependable companionship and support to older adults in need. Flexible schedules are available to help volunteers find meaningful service opportunities that fit their lives.
No Special Skills Required—Just a Caring Heart
You don't need medical training or technical expertise to become a Senior Companion. The most important qualification is your willingness to listen, care, and be a friend.
A simple visit, a shared conversation, or a walk together can brighten someone's day, reduce loneliness, and help them continue living with dignity and purpose. While you are making a difference in another person's life, you may discover that your own life is enriched as well.
Friendship changes lives—for the people you serve and for you. Join the Senior Companion Program and become the reason someone smiles today.