By Gina Mazza
A dozen local volunteers were celebrated on June 15 at the annual recognition luncheon for the Senior Companion Program of Allegheny County—a federally funded program by AmeriCorps. As its name implies, Senior Companion matches older adult volunteers ages 55 and older with program participants ages 60 and older who would like to receive friendly social visits once or twice weekly in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Eighty-five individuals gathered for the luncheon at Edgewood Country Club in Churchill for the first in-person event since 2019. Attendees were welcomed by Area Agency on Aging Administrator Shannah Tharp Gilliam, PhD; introductory remarks were given by Brian Heywood, Acting Bureau Captain for the Older Adult Services Bureau, and John Miller, Senior Companion Program Manager. The crowd was treated to entertainment by ventriloquist Cindy Speck and enjoyed a delicious lunch, followed by the presentation of awards for Volunteer Station Supervisors, as well as the following Milestones of Service.
5 Years:
Rose Mary Beasley
Mary Flowers
Stephanie Hecker
Marlene Josey
Louise Reynolds
Susie Rollins
Harriett Wilson
10 Years:
Justine Davis
Pat Robinson
15 Years:
Maureen Finch
20 Years:
Barbara Dickerson
Tom Simpson
The successful program, which serves approximately 350 seniors throughout Allegheny County, helps older adults and the elderly counter the impact of loneliness. Studies show that nearly one-fourth of adults ages 65 and older are socially isolated. This can lead to increased chances of depression, anxiety, dementia, heart disease, stroke and premature death. The benefits of the program counteract this by providing increased social connectedness and positive effects on one’s physical and mental health, such as slower memory decline, less risk of cancer recurrence and more resistance to the common cold.
“The program is a very effective way for us to have eyes on our senior population in our community,” comments Brian Heywood. “Our Senior Companions also help us remain aware of individuals who are vulnerable to self-neglect, as well as financial and other forms of exploitation.”
Senior Companion visits are typically three to four hours, and they occur during daylight hours. Visits can occur any day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. The Senior Companions receive a small stipend for their service, but there is no cost to the care recipients. Typical Senior Companion activities include talking, playing cards or games, doing puzzles, sorting through mail, preparing light meals, reminiscing about the past, taking a walk if the weather permits, or watching a favorite show together.
The program does not provide housekeeping or direct care assistance such as bathing, dressing or administering medications. Those needing these types of services are encouraged to call the Area Agency on Aging’s SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460.
Because the program involves home visits with a vulnerable population, it places great emphasis on thoroughly screening volunteers. All Senior Companions undergo a three-part background check process that includes checking a public sex offender registry and conducting both a Pennsylvania state police check and a fingerprint-based FBI check. Senior Companions also complete 20 hours of pre-service orientation and attend monthly in-service trainings to stay informed about issues related to working with older adults.
Who qualifies and how to sign up
There are no special rules or income guidelines to qualify for the program. The only requirement is being an Allegheny County resident aged 60 or older. The schedule for the visits is determined by the participant and the Senior Companion. There is no time limit for how long visits are received, and they can be discontinued at any time.
“I have a great deal of trust and respect for my Senior Companion,” says one participant. Another notes: “It is so nice to have someone to talk to, especially since I have no family nearby.”
While the focus of the program has typically been on in-person home visits, phone call check-ins were introduced in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and have continued as an option ever since. Anyone who prefers this can simply indicate it on their application form when they sign up.
Signing up for the program is easy. “There’s not a lot of red tape and we’re not going to ask for a bunch of paperwork,” Miller comments. “This is a needs-based program. If an older adult is lonely or isolated and could benefit from friendly visits, this could be a good fit and I would encourage the person to sign up. The goal is to help our seniors remain as safe, happy, and independent as possible.”
Family caregivers benefit, as well
Aside from the older adults themselves, regular visits from a Senior Companion can also prove invaluable to family caregivers, who often find themselves stressed and burned out from their caregiving responsibilities. Having a trusted volunteer come once or twice a week allows the caregiver time for a much-needed break to take care of his or her own needs—whether it’s going out for a few hours to do something for themselves or going into the next room and taking a nap.
Become a volunteer
The Senior Companion program is now actively recruiting more volunteers—in particular, those who are willing and able to drive to specific locations throughout Allegheny County. Volunteers are especially needed in the South Hills, Robinson Township and Route 8 corridor areas.
“My companion is a blessing to me,” another participant shares. “She is wonderfully kind and cheers me up when she visits. We have a good time doing crafts and talking about everything. It always brightens my day.”
Applying to receive Senior Companion services is easy and efficient. To sign up or to learn more about volunteering for the program, call program manager John Miller at (412) 350-4061. To inquire about other older adult services, call the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460.