A Senior Companions volunteer visits with her client. Through the federal program, AmeriCorps Seniors pays people 55 and older to help older adults shop, pay bills or go to doctor’s appointments — or just be a listening ear. Photo courtesy of AmeriCorps Seniors

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When Simy Buckwold, a retiree in New Market, Maryland, visits her Senior Companion clients each week, they both light up.

“You arrive and [you can tell] you’re a hero, just by their look and by their smile,” Buckwold said.

“It’s such a joy. The experience is mutual because we have built this trust and connection. It’s reciprocal, that’s what I’m finding out.”

And while that feeling might be reward enough, Buckwold and many others like her are actually paid a stipend by the Senior Companion program to visit older adults or those with disabilities who need companionship or assistance in their communities.

The Senior Companion program is one of three that make up AmeriCorps Seniors, a national service program within the federal AmeriCorps agency. The other two AmeriCorps Seniors programs are Foster Grandparents and RSVP. These programs are designed to connect those 55 and above with local service opportunities that match their interests.

Established in 1974, the Senior Companion program was based on the Foster Grandparent model, a federal grantmaking organization that pairs older adults with children in need. Today about 7,000 Americans volunteer with Senior Companion, according to Atalaya Sergi, director of AmeriCorps Seniors.

When older adults help out other older people, they both benefit, Sergi said.

After all, loneliness has become an epidemic. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, half of American adults feel socially isolated, and loneliness can impact their health.

“The Senior Companion program is a preventative measure for our country, both for the volunteer and the person they’re serving,” Sergi said. “The volunteers definitely benefit from being a part of something that gives them purpose in their lives…It helps reduce the loneliness.”

How the program works

The Senior Companion program pays people over 55 who qualify to attend a week of training. Next, the companion-to-be shadows a seasoned volunteer on several visits before they’re matched with clients of their own.

Once the in-person visits begin, they check in with managers once a month to discuss each case, ask questions and get more resources. The program pays a stipend to qualified volunteers, and reimburses for mileage and gas, as well as providing accident, liability and additional auto insurance.

Ralph Caiazzo heard about the program at church last year and was paired up with a client last June. He often brings his client to the gym and they have lunch afterwards, he said, and she appreciates the company.

“The thing she misses most is being able to drive and go places on her own. Because she doesn’t have a car, she can’t get out and see people,” he said.

Caiazzo says he gets a kick out of spending time with an octogenarian. “I tell her, ‘I hope I’m like you when I’m 82.’ She’s a spitfire.”

Caiazzo can pick his hours, adding more hours when he can.  “I never thought I’d be working with older folks. I love it,” he said.

Buckwold applied to be a Senior Companion four years ago after she retired from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She visits several older adults once a week for several hours, bringing them to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store or wherever they’d like to go.

It’s more than just a ride service, though. Often, as in Buckwold’s case, friendships form.

“One of my clients is a physician, and I’m a scientist, so it’s like talking the same language. I learn a lot from her,” Buckwold said.

Making a connection with an older person helps that person’s extended family, too, Sergi pointed out.

“The family might not live close by, but they have someone they can check in with if they get nervous about the health or wellbeing of their family member. They know someone will check in.”

Along those lines, Senior Companions also has a caregiver respite services program. They are paid to give 3,000 full-time caregivers a break. “We know it’s important to be able to step away from that stress,” Sergi said.

Mental health boost

According to an AmeriCorps Senior longitudinal study in 2017, after one year, about 84% of volunteers reported better health and reduced depression.

“The volunteerism has a real impact on their health and wellbeing,” Sergi said.

On average, volunteers spend six or seven years with the program, according to the study — sometimes longer.

“I’ve met people who have been volunteering for 10 years, 20 years. Our volunteers are so consistent and stay with the programs,” Sergi said.

Buckwold plans to keep visiting her clients for as long as she can.

“I love to help, to volunteer,” she said. This is the best way to use my skills and give back to my community.”

To get involved, visit americorps.gov/yourmoment or call 1-800-942-2677.