University of Maine Cooperative Extension homepage

University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers resources on many topics of interest.

Washington County Senior Companion Program

Senior Companions help homebound adult clients through one-to-one education and assistance with activities of daily living. This is most often accomplished as the Senior Companion eases the burdens of loneliness and isolation through regular visits and conversation.

Activities of the Senior Companion Volunteer

Companionship/Support

Provide companionship by talking, listening, reading, or playing games with the elder
Foster contact with family and friends
Assist with reality and general awareness
Provide grief support
Accompany a person to a doctor, nurse, or medical appointment to provide emotional support
Encourage prescribed exercise or recreational activities, as appropriate

Nutrition

Assist client with meal planning, food preparation, labeling or organizing food and developing shopping lists
Provide health or nutrition information
Accompany client to a nutritional meal site or out to eat

Home Management

Assist with writing letters, reading mail, filling out forms or planning a home budget
Accompany client when they go shopping, run errands, or arrange for home maintenance
Assist client with occasional light daily chores if the volunteer chooses

Information and Advocacy

Provide information about community programs and eligibility of services
Bring unmet needs to the attention of Senior Companion staff or other care providers

Other
Transportation assistance is permitted under some circumstances, but is not a primary function. Cost for transportation may be at the client's expense, unless waived by the volunteer.

Senior Companions DO NOT perform activities usually done by doctors, nurses, therapists, or other medical professionals or provide personal care.

For more information, contact Deb Eckart or Deborah Gardner at 1-800-287-1542 or email deckart@umext.maine.edu.

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension logo

Putting knowledge to work with the people of Maine

A Member of the University of Maine System
Last Modified: 08/06/08
These pages are currently being maintained from the
Washington County Office, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Send comments, suggestions or inquiries to twood@umext.maine.edu

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veterans' status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Questions and complaints about discrimination in any area of the University should be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens, (207) 581-1226.

Information in this web site is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned in this web site. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.