SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM

More than 160 Wisconsin residents are serving as Senior Companions today. We are always looking for additional eligible volunteers. See the contact list following program information.

The Senior Companion Program arranges for people age 60 and older to provide assistance and friendship to elderly individuals who are homebound, generally living alone, who may be at risk for institutional placement. By taking care of simple chores, providing transportation to medical appointments, and offering contact to the outside world, Senior Companions often provide the services that frail elderly people need to live independently.

Senior Companions also provide respite care to relieve live-in caretakers for short periods of time. They usually serve two to four clients through 20 hours of weekly volunteer service. Senior Companions not only assist clients with chores such as paying bills, grocery shopping, and finding transportation to medical appointments, they also help make the lives of the people they serve less lonely. Many Senior Companions serve clients for several years and form the most meaningful friendships in their lives.

Wisconsin has three Senior Companion Programs:

• Great Lakes Inter-tribal Council Senior Companion Program
  Contact: Jodie Hardes, SCP Director - (715)588-3324

• Senior Services of Rock County, Janesville
  Contact: Susan K. McKillips, SCP Director - (608)757-5940

• Social Development Commission, Milwaukee
  Contact: Mattie Payne, SCP Director - (414)906-2779

Last Revised: October 24, 2008