Jefferson County CAC - Senior Companion Program

The Senior Companion Program has been sponsored by COAD (Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development) since 1974. The purpose of this program is to recruit volunteers who are 55 years of age or older to serve in their community by going into the homes of senior citizens 60 and older or to disabled adults between 18 and 59 years of age. Some of the daily tasks asked of a volunteer would be light housekeeping, help with meal preparation, reminding of medications or to be there for social activities to the lonely. We also provide RESPITE service to relieve caregivers so that they can take care of personal appointments or just to take a break.

Appropriate referrals are citizens who wish to become a volunteer and meet the below guidelines or someone who needs assistance as briefly described above.

Eligibility Requirements to become a volunteer is for anyone who is 55 years of age or older, who can meet the current income guideline of 200% of the federal poverty index (please call for income levels) and you must submit to a National Sex Offender Checklist along with a BCI/FBI background check that we will perform for you. There is an annual physical along with orientation and training to follow after the above have been completed and reviewed. You are reimbursed for all training time and we cover the cost of the background checks.

Benefits to the applicant are that you will receive a stipend, which is $2.65 per hour and cannot be counted as income and does not affect any social benefits you may be currently receiving. You will also be reimbursed for round trip mileage to and from client’s homes. While serving you will have 11 paid holidays per year, earn sick and vacation time, have 3 personal days per year along with paid funeral leave. We have monthly training meetings where you will be able to interact with other volunteers in your area. There is an annual recognition celebrating volunteer service.

Client services are Free of Charge. If you are interested in either becoming a volunteer or client, please contact our office and ask for Kirk Guisti with COAD on ext. 141 or call his cell number at (330) 987-7232. The Senior Companion Program is a Senior Corps program of the Corporation for National and Community Service based in Washington, D.C.. Visit the COAD website at www.coadinc.org