Our Lady of the Lake Senior Companion Program

The Senior Companion Program (SCP) offers person-to- person volunteer opportunities for low-income Americans aged 55 and over. The Companions provide peer support and personal assistance to adults 25 and older. Clients serviced by Companions are chronically homebound with physical and/or mental health limitations and at risk of premature institutionalization. Senior Companions strengthen their client’s capacity to live independently in the community.

The volunteers serve East and West Baton Rouge, Ascension, East and West Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, Iberville and St Helena parishes by visiting in their clients’ home. Companions receive a package of benefits that includes an hourly stipend, mileage and meal reimbursement. Prior to client assignment, companions receive 40 hours of pre-service training.

SCP volunteers in the Baton Rouge area contribute approximately 48,000+ hours of service annually in their assistance to the elderly and/or handicapped adults. Each volunteer typically serves 20 hours or more per week during daylight hours and weekdays only. Since 1988, SCP has been a partnership between the Corporation for National and Community Service AmeriCorps Seniors and Our Lady of the Lake Health.

SCP is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service.