Senior Companion Program

5

Overview

The Senior Companion Program consists of older Americans who provide assistance to homebound seniors. This program helps homebound clients maintain dignity and independence while providing respite to family caregivers. Clients can include older adults who are frail, have disabilities, or have a terminal illness. Seniors  55 years or older perform one-on-one service with their clients. Income-eligible seniors volunteers in the Senior Companion Program also receive a modest stipend to help offset the costs of volunteering. Some examples of volunteer activities include the following:

  • Providing companionship and friendship to isolated adults (socialization)
  • Assisting with simple chores
  • Providing transportation for client (doctor appointments, etc.)
  • Preparing a snack for a client
  • Helping with grocery shopping
620

Facts

  • In 2020, Seniors Companions in New Mexico provided independent living support to more than 620 individuals (Source: tinyurl.com/nmstatsamericorps)
  • One-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated (Source: tinyurl.com/onefourthstat)
  • 65% of adults over the age of 65 require help with one or more activity of daily living, such as doing laundry, brushing their teeth, or making a simple meal (Source: tinyurl.com/65percentstat)

Be part of the change to improve these statistics!

3

Application

  1. Application: FGP/SCP (PDF)

More Files

  1. Senior Companion Flier (PDF)
  2. Return on Investment (PDF)
  3. Secondary Insurance Brochure (PDF)
50 YEARS
In 1973 the Domestic Volunteer Service Act authorized the creation of the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) and Senior Companion Program (SCP.) 50 years later these programs continue to prosper and thrive.