SENIOR COMPANION

The OCAB Senior Companion Program (SCP) is a volunteer program that taps into the life experiences of adults aged 55 and older. Senior Companion volunteers primarily help older adults who may be at risk of losing their independence by providing comfort, friendship, and much-needed assistance in their home environments.

SCP helps older adults with daily living tasks, such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, transportation to doctors’ appointments, and light housekeeping. Senior Companions spend 5 to 40 hours a week helping one or more adult clients live independently in their own homes.
 

Senior Companions also provide relief, known as respite, to family members caring for loved ones who need time off from caregiving duties to rest, run errands, relieve stress, and maintain their well-being. The respite services Companions provides to family caregivers are often critical to avoiding the alternative of institutionalizing clients.

Senior Companion volunteers provide services to seniors in Orangeburg, Bamberg, and Calhoun counties. In return for their volunteer service, Companions receive a modest stipend, accident and liability insurance coverage, reimbursement for transportation and meals, and training while in service. Volunteers must be ages 55 or older, meet income guidelines, and pass physical examinations and state and federal background checks. The stipends earned are nontaxable and do not affect other benefits received.

Volunteers can build friendships, show compassion for others, and stay active in the community. Senior Companions report that they value the relationships they develop and find the opportunity to serve most rewarding. For more information on services, or to learn how to volunteer with the Senior Companion Program, call us at 803.536.1027 ext. 115 or 116.

Senior Companions conduct wellness calls as part of services to help decrease isolation and provide information and assistance with accessing essential services and resources.