Senior Companions are matched with frail adults and provide the essential services that often help to prevent costly institutionalized care. Currently, there are 12 Senior Companions serving El Centro, Brawley, and Calexico at five different site locations.

Like their sister Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companions are low-income individuals age 60 and older and each volunteer provides 20 hours a week of service in the community. Recipients of Senior Companion services receive welcomed companionship and assistance with activities of daily living to help maintain their independence, or much needed respite from 24 hour care of a loved one, and information and referral services linking them to valuable community resources available for seniors.

Eligibility requirements closely match the Foster Grandparent Program and include:

• Must be 60+
• Meet low-income guidelines
• Be in sound physical heath
• Willing to volunteer 20 hours per week
• Desire to work with frail elderly

Site Locations Include:

• United Way Senior Citizen Emergency Program
• Alzheimer's Association
• Adult DayOut Health Care Facility
• Alegria Health Care Facility
• Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition Program