Seniors & AgingStarter
Senior Companion Program
A senior companion program pairs volunteers with older adults who are isolated or homebound. Companions provide regular visits for conversation, light activities, and emotional support. This simple intervention dramatically improves quality of life for seniors while creating meaningful volunteer opportunities that span generations.
Startup Cost
$2K-$15K
Timeline
1-3 months
Impact Potential
- Reduces loneliness and depression in seniors
- Delays nursing home placement through social support
- Provides early alert system for health concerns
- Creates intergenerational connections
- Offers respite for family caregivers
Common Challenges
- Volunteer retention—matching matters, provide good support
- Boundaries—train on appropriate relationships
- Health emergencies—create clear protocols
- Transportation—consider how volunteers will reach seniors
What You'll Need
- Volunteer recruitment and screening process
- Training curriculum for companions
- Matching system to pair volunteers with seniors
- Regular check-ins and supervision
- Partnerships with senior services organizations
Resources
- AmeriCorps Seniors Companion Program model
- AARP volunteer resources
- Area Agencies on Aging referral partnerships
- Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov)
See who's already doing this
Real organizations proving this model works across Canada.
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Organizations already doing this
V
VON Canada has provided home care for over a centuryL
Les Petits Frères fights senior isolation across QuebecClaims are non-exclusive — multiple people can build the same venture in the same area.