Senior Companion Program
The Senior Companion Program connects Allegheny County residents aged 60 and older with trained volunteers aged 55 or older who provide companionship and light assistance to help older adults remain independent in their homes. Senior Companions offer regular visits, meaningful connection, and support with everyday activities that can become harder with age.
What Senior Companions Do
Senior Companions are trained volunteers who provide friendly, supportive visits to older adults. They:
- Visit once or twice a week for a few hours.
- Spend time talking, sharing meals, playing games, or enjoying hobbies.
- Provide light help, such as tidying up or preparing a snack.
- Accompany participants on shared-ride or public transportation for errands or appointments.
- Offer respite and peace of mind for family caregivers.
What Senior Companions Don’t Do
Senior Companions are not home health aides. They do not provide personal care or medical services, housekeeping or heavy cleaning, or transportation.
Contact Us
If you or someone you care about could benefit from a Senior Companion, contact the SeniorLine. There are four easy ways to get connected with SeniorLine.
Chat with ARIA, the AI assistant:
Available 24/7, ARIA can help provide quick information and answers.
Phone:
Call the SeniorLine at 412-350-5460, available weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Speak directly with a Care Manager and have questions answered in real-time.
Email:
Send an email to SeniorLine, which is an easy way to share detailed information, or prefer writing things down at your own pace.
Appointments:
Schedule an appointment in advance for a time and date that works best for you, and a Care Manager will contact you.
Volunteer
If you would like to volunteer your time to serve as a Senior Companion, please complete this application. To request a paper application, email the Senior Companion Program Manager at John.Miller@alleghenycounty.us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost for older adults to participate in the Senior Companion Program?
No. There is no cost for older adults to take part in the Senior Companion Program
Are Senior Companions paid?
No. Senior Companions serve on a volunteer basis and are not paid positions.
Are Senior Companions screened?
Yes. All Senior Companions go through a screening and interview process before being matched with a participant.
Do Senior Companions receive training before they start?
Yes. Senior Companions complete orientation and ongoing training to prepare them for their role and work safely with older adults.
Can Senior Companions help with transportation?
Senior Companions may help accompany participants on errands or medical appointments using public or shared-ride transportation, but they do not provide transportation in their own vehicles.
Do participants have to do certain tasks or activities?
No. Participants and their Senior Companion decide together how they will spend time during visits based on personal preferences and needs.
Resources
CBS Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh-area volunteers help older adults overcome social isolation
Pittsburgh Senior News: Senior Companion Program recognizes dedicated volunteers at annual luncheon