Programs that provide part-time opportunities for low-income individuals age 60 and older to serve one-on-one with 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 alert doctors and family members to potential problems. Senior Companions also provide short periods of relief to primary caregivers. Senior companions receive a modest tax-free stipend for their work as well as reimbursement for transportation, annual physical examinations, meals, and accident and liability insurance during service. Local nonprofit organizations and public agencies receive grants to sponsor and operate Senior Companion projects. The Senior Companion Program is part of Senior Corps, a network of programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Organizations that are actively seeking individuals with the requisite skills who are willing, on a voluntary basis without remuneration, to provide friendship and shared activities and/or appropriate role models for individuals who suffer from lack of company, loneliness or social isolation; who need practice conversing in English; or who lack the companionship and guidance of an adult figure or model.