Senior Companion Program

Make a Gift to Senior Companions

The Senior Companion Program engages those age 55 years and older in volunteer service to provide companionship and support to older adults who are experiencing loneliness, isolation, and barriers of aging. This volunteer program allows seniors to build meaningful relationships with one another in adult day facilities and in-home settings.

To receive support from a senior companion, contact the Office on Aging at 865-524-2786.

Join us and Volunteer your Time!

Serve as a friend and companion to older neighbors making sure they can live in their own homes for as long as possible.  The Senior Companion program focuses on providing assistance and friendship to older adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping or preparing light meals. Through this program, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers keep seniors independent longer and provide respite to family caregivers. Volunteers themselves report better health and longevity having served their community.

A Senior Companion

  • Is in good physical and mental health
  • Enjoys working with older adults
  • Is willing to serve 15-40 hours a week
  • Is capable of serving older adults with special needs
  • Can pass a background check

Senior Companion Benefits

  • Tax-free hourly stipend for income eligible individuals
  • Transportation mileage reimbursement or public transportation provided
  • Meal Allowance
  • Paid orientation and ongoing training
  • Liability insurance while on assignment
  • Recognition events
  • Socialization

Senior Companions Provide

  • Companionship
  • In-home support activities
  • Positive social interaction and encouragement
  • Information and referral support to community resources
  • Promote development of healthy physical and emotional habits
  • Respite for family caregivers

Senior Companions Assist

  • Isolated Older Adults
  • Older adults with unmet physical, emotional, or social needs.
  • Individuals suffering from memory loss
  • Older adults battling chronic conditions
  • Individuals recovering from surgery, cancer treatment, dialysis, and other health conditions
  • Family caregivers suffering exhaustion and burnout

To start your volunteer journey, contact us at 865-524-2786 or e-mail us at knoxooa@knoxseniors.org

The Senior Companion Program has been administered by the Knoxville-Knox County CAC Office on Aging since 1988. Funding comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps), as well as from Knoxville and Knox County. Community donations make it possible to serve additional homebound seniors in our community and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS.