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Senior Companion Program

Seniors and younger people with disabilities can buoy their spirits and get help with some of their daily routines through Samaritan Health Services’ Senor Companion Program. Operating in Benton, Lincoln, and Linn counties, the program lends a hand to help people stay in their own homes with familiar surroundings for as long as safely possible, without any cost to the care recipient.

Samaritan Health Services recruits and trains volunteers to become senior companions, who talk, listen, share experiences, play games or cards, or watch movies with seniors and people with disabilities. Companions also may provide transportation to and from medical appointments, the grocery store, social events, and other household and personal errands. In short, companions provide friendship and social support, both important components of overall well-being.

As part of its commitment to providing ideal senior companions, Samaritan Health Services assures that volunteers:

• Are 60 or older,
• Have a yearly physical evaluation, TB testing and flu shots,
• Receive supplemental liability insurance,
• Pass a criminal background check,
• Receive pre-service and ongoing monthly companion training and yearly driver safety training, and
• Know how to be a friend!

To request a senior companion, or to receive information about becoming a senior companion, call (541) 812-4185 in Benton or Linn county, or call (541) 574-4661 in Lincoln County.

A senior companion’s story:

When Helen Cleveland’s husband passed away in 1992, she realized immediately that she could, in her words, “sit around and get old -- or get out of the house and help somebody.”

“I’m a people person,” said Cleveland, 77. “I like being with people and doing something that has some value. That’s why, when I heard about Senior Companions, I decided to volunteer. I’ve had quite a few clients over the years, and I’ve just loved them. When one passes away, I feel as though I’ve lost family.”

Cleveland, who lives in Alpine, spends about 20 hours a week visiting, shopping with, or chauffeuring her clients. Currently, she is a companion for four people whose homes are scattered between Monroe and Corvallis.

“I’m a good driver,” Cleveland said. “I don’t mind driving my clients to doctors’ appointments or to get groceries. In fact, I look forward to the visits.”

Cleveland spends time with her clients on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. She reserves Mondays and Tuesday for her own personal errands and appointments and, now that she has remarried, for spending time with her husband, Grover (who also has become a Senior Companion).

“I certainly don’t do this for the money, although it is nice to get a small hourly stipend that’s not taxable,” Cleveland said. “I do it because it makes me feel useful. I’m sure that once I can no longer drive, I’ll ask for a Senior Companion for myself. It’s a great program!”

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