Our Stories
Although Mrs. R was not able to do anything medical to assist her, she was able to understand Ms. W’s needs, provide support, assist with some personal care, and do some things around the house that Ms. W could no longer do.
Senior Companion Program
The purpose of the Senior Companion Program is to help senior adults. It provides part-time paid volunteer community service opportunities for low-income people age 55 and older. These volunteers in turn provide support services to older persons who have unmet physical, mental, or social needs.
Senior Companions serve the homebound elderly who need daily attention and assistance with small tasks such as preparing meals, visiting the doctor, or shopping. They provide friendship and support and enable those they serve to maintain their independence and improve the quality of their later years.
The Senior Companion Program has been administered by the Knoxville-Knox County Office on Aging since 1988. Funding comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service, as well as from Knoxville and Knox County. Community donations and sponsorships make it possible to serve additional homebound seniors in our community and are deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS.
The Companion
The purpose of the Senior Companion Program is to help senior adults. It provides part-time paid volunteer community service opportunities for low-income people age 55 and older. These volunteers in turn provide support services to older persons who have unmet physical, mental, or social needs.
Senior Companions serve the homebound elderly who need daily attention and assistance with small tasks such as preparing meals, visiting the doctor, or shopping. They provide friendship and support and enable those they serve to maintain their independence and improve the quality of their later years.
The Senior Companion Program has been administered by the Knoxville-Knox County Office on Aging since 1988. Funding comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service, as well as from Knoxville and Knox County. Community donations and sponsorships make it possible to serve additional homebound seniors in our community and are deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS.
Senior Companion’s Duties
- Personal care
- Assistance with meal preparation
- Social interaction
- Housekeeping
- Recreational activities
- Respite for caregivers
Senior Companion's Benefits
- Hourly stipend of $2.65
- Holidays, vacation, and sick days
- Initial and ongoing training
- Liability insurance while on the job
- Transportation (mileage reimbursed)
- Satisfaction in feeling useful again
- Knowing you are needed by someone who depends on you.
What training is needed?
All Senior Companions participate in 60 hours of paid preservice orientation. In addition, they attend monthly in-service programs.
Snowflake Ball
Learn more about the Senior Companion Snowflake Ball (pdf).
Contact Us
Phone: (865) 524-2786
Email: knoxooa@knoxseniors.org
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 51650
Knoxville, TN 37950-1650
Street Address:
2247 Western Avenue
