Senior Companions
A
stipended volunteer of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.
Purpose. To create and build a relationship with a client who
is lonely and isolated. This relationship provides support to the
client and has a positive direct impact on the client’s health and
ability to live independently.
Qualifications. Men and women, age 60 and over, who are in good
health. Volunteers are asked to commit to 15-20 hours of service per
week in order to qualify for the stipend. Compassion, patience,
flexibility and respect for others are important qualities in a Senior
Companion. The strengths, skills and commitment of a Senior Companion
can make a great difference in the lives of the clients they serve.
Benefits. Non-taxable hourly stipend. Transportation. Stipended time off (vacation, sick time, holidays).
On-going training and recognition. Accident and liability insurance
while volunteering. Socialization. Making a positive impact on the
lives of others.
Accountability. To the Senior Companion Program supervisor and the
volunteer site coordinator. The Senior Companion Program is funded by
the National Senior Service Corps and the Minnesota Board on Aging and
sponsored by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.
Responsibilities. Senior Companions serve adults who need support when
other family members cannot be there, caregivers in need of respite,
mentally or physically impaired individuals or people recovering from
an illness.
Senior Companions offer their friendship and support by:
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Providing a stable and regular presence
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Listening and offering encouragement to clients
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Assisting with groceries, personal errands, appointments with
doctors, correspondence
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Visiting people who might otherwise be isolated
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Providing a vital resource to those they visit and to the community.
Training. Volunteers receive forty (40) hours of orientation and
training, including formal orientation with the program supervisor,
on-site training with the volunteer station coordinator, site meetings
and “shadowing” current volunteers to better understand their roles.
Ongoing in-service trainings enhance the volunteer experience and
provide the Senior Companion with new information connected to their
assignments and their personal welfare.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Senior
Companion, please call the St. Paul office at 651.310.9440 or toll
free at 1-888-205-3770.
