Senior Companions

Senior Companions are volunteers, age 55 and above with a fixed, limited income, who are compassionate, social and who enjoy helping others with special needs. For their services they earn a small stipend.

By becoming a Companion to a frail, disabled or convalescing person age 21 or older , these volunteers improve day-to-day lives that otherwise would be typified by isolation and helplessness. Often a Senior Companion’s regular weekly support can make it possible for a special needs person to remain in their own home.

Senior Companions may provide:

• Friendship and companionship
• Assistance with daily living tasks (grocery shopping, bill paying and more)
• Transportation to local destinations
• Notice to doctors and family members about potential problems
• Respite care for family and other caregivers

Volunteer as a Senior Companion

Senior Companions volunteer between 15 to 40 hours a week. Volunteers should be in good health and must meet income-eligibility Federal guidelines as they earn a tax-free hourly stipend. They also benefit from pre-service orientation and other training from New Opportunities Inc.

Senior Companions receive:

• A tax-free hourly stipend
• Meals while on duty
• Reimbursement for transportation or car mileage
• An annual physical for those without health insurance
• Paid time off with flexible hours
• 13 paid holidays
• Case assignments in or near their town
• A uniform
• Supplemental accident and liability insurance while on duty

For more information call Elder Services at (203) 575-4268 or email Elder [at] NewOpportunitiesInc [dot] org.