Volunteering for Senior Companions
Who is eligible to volunteer?
You are eligible to become a Senior Companion if you are age 55 or older, meet an income guideline and can serve 15-40 hours per week. You will get an hourly stipend for your services.
Income guidelines:
- One person household, the limit is $30,120
- Two person household, the limit is $40,380
- Three person household, the limit is $49,720
- Four person household, the limit is $60,000
- For family units with more than four members, add $5,140 for each additional member
*Fifty percent (50%) of these limits can be deducted in medical expenses so income could be more than listed if you have your own medical expenses.
As a volunteer, you may be involved in these activities:
- Conversing and listening
- Assisting with reading
- Writing letters or making phone calls
- Helping with grocery shopping or errands
- Sharing hobbies, recreation and social events
- Assisting with light housekeeping (making beds, doing dishes, dusting, etc.)
- Reminding the client to take their medications
- Accompanying them to the doctor
- Helping with paying bills and filling out forms
- Being present for exercises and walks
-
Benefits of being a Senior Companion
In addition to the hourly stipend, you would receive:
- Mileage reimbursement or provided transportation
- Nine paid holidays
- Personal leave
- Monthly paid training
- Accident insurance while on assignment
- Friendship with other Senior Companions and clients
- The satisfaction of serving others
The monetary benefits do not reduce any governmental assistance and are not taxable.
Senior Companions receive 20 hours of orientation and an opportunity to shadow a Senior Companion before beginning services. We have six in-service trainings a year that provide valuable senior information.
Many of our Senior Companions have served for several years and talk about the benefits they receive by feeling needed and useful to the people they help. Volunteers are involved in a recognition event every year and receive the Points of Light and Presidential Awards for their years of service. Many of our Senior Companions and clients have been together for several years.
-
Questions About Volunteering
How can I become a volunteer?
Please call our office at (606) 361-1133 or toll-free at (888) 239-1210. There are certain eligibility requirements that volunteers need to meet. Volunteers must also agree to a series of requirements.What happens after I accept a volunteer position?
You will receive 20 hours of orientation and an opportunity to shadow a Senior Companion before beginning. Once you start working with a client, the program coordinator or station representative is available for any questions or concerns.If you have any questions about volunteering call us at:
- Sioux Falls region: (605) 361-1133 or (888) 239-1210
- Rapid City region: (605) 721-8884
Ready to volunteer?