Senior Volunteer Services is a nonprofit organization that has been providing services to the residents of Broward County since 1965. The organization is the local sponsor of the Senior Companion, Foster Grandparent and Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs , under Senior Corps. Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency, created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation.
The Senior Companion Program provides a positive and creative approach to the care of older adults in our community. The program brings together volunteers 55 and over with adults residing throughout Broward County who have difficulty with the simple tasks of day-to-day living. Senior Companions touch the lives of adults who need extra assistance to live independently in their own homes or communities. They serve frail older adults, adults with disabilities and those with terminal illnesses. They assist their adult clients in basic but essential ways. Individuals served by Senior Companions are adults who have one or more physical, mental or emotional limitations and are in need of assistance to achieve and maintain their dignity and highest level of independent living. Senior Companions provide weekly visits to the homes of elderly and disabled adults and offer supportive and companionship services. During our last fiscal year ending on June 30, 2009, 95 Senior Companions provided services to 400 elderly and disabled residents of Broward County. The activities and assignments serve the dual purpose of providing a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers who are the Senior Companions and meet critical community needs. Senior Companions also provide in-home respite care to relieve family members or loved ones who care for frail elders through the Respite for Caregivers Program.
