135 Hoyt Street
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 549-4850

United Way
Athens Community Council on Aging is a United Way of Northeast Georgia agency.

What They Say
"I have been privileged to deliver Meals on Wheels for 2 years and have seen both the need for such a service and the deep appreciation of those folks who have received this service."


SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM



The Senior Companion Program (SCP) is part of Senior Corps, a network of national service programs that provides older Americans with the opportunity to apply their life experiences to meeting community needs. Senior Companions serve one-on-one with the frail elderly and other homebound persons who have difficulty completing everyday tasks. They assist with grocery shopping, bill paying, and transportation to medical appointments, and they alert doctors and family members to potential problems. Senior Companions also provide short periods of relief to primary caregivers. Because of the program, citizens are able to live with dignity in their own homes.EligibilityThe Senior Companion Program is open to healthy individuals age 60 and over with limited incomes. All applicants undergo a background check and a telephone interview, as well as pre-service and inservice training on such topics as Alzheimer''s disease, diabetes, and issues related to mental health. Senior Companions serve 20 hours a week.Volunteer BenefitsFor their service, Senior Companions receive $2.65 an hour (tax free), reimbursement for transportation, annual physical examinations, meals, and accident and liability insurance during service.

Eligibility to receive Senior Companion Services
If you or someone you know could benefit from the services provided by a Senior Companion please phone in a referral to Athens Community Council on Aging. The referral will take approximately 15-30 minutes. There is generally a waiting list to receive the services of a senior companion, but the waiting list is prioritized based on need. There is no charge to the person receiving the services.