Companion
Volunteer
Position Description
Companion volunteers help strengthen connection, reduce loneliness, and bring meaningful human presence to people living in long-term care communities. Your steady, caring visits have a lasting impact.
Responsibilities
Qualifications
A genuine desire to support people living in care communities.
Ability to build rapport with the people you will visit and staff.
Commitment to consistent, reliable visits.
Comfort with changes in communication, mood, or routine.
Honoring each person’s background, identity, and life story.
Willingness to learn and follow community policies.
Capacity to engage in conversation and handle emotional moments.
Required for the safety of the people you’ll visit.
Be Someone’s
Lifeline
One hour can change two lives. Companion volunteers build authentic relationships with people living in care communities. You’ll learn practical skills, earn a certificate, and bring connection where it’s needed most.
Living in a care community
Moving to a care community is a significant life change, especially for people who have lived independently. Care communities offer support with daily routines, medical needs, and social engagement. Many people enjoy the security, activities, friendships, and sense of continuity that come with that support.
For others, the transition can feel difficult. Some people miss home, family, familiar routines, or time outdoors. Feelings of loneliness or disconnection can quietly take hold. Emotional well-being matters as much as physical care, and that’s where a companion volunteer can make a powerful difference.
Why companion volunteers matter
Companion volunteers are trained to build authentic relationships, especially with people who rarely receive visitors. Your steady presence helps someone feel seen, valued, and connected. Small conversations, shared stories, or simply sitting together can ease loneliness and strengthen a person’s sense of belonging.
Start your journey
Our training gives you a strong foundation for making meaningful, consistent visits. Care communities are full of activity; your presence brings focus, comfort, and companionship to someone who may have no visitors at all.
What you’ll learn
Roles, routines, and how volunteers support and complement the team.
Discovering each person’s interests, preferences, and history.
Active listening, empathy, and dementia-friendly approaches.
Presence, body language, and cues that build trust.
Collaborating with activity professionals and staff.
Creating meaningful, individualized experiences that honor each person’s autonomy and dignity.
Replacing assumptions with respect and curiosity.
Supporting autonomy, dignity, and choice.
Understanding confidentiality and respecting personal boundaries.
About the training experience
The training is interactive and geared toward adults. You’ll move through short videos (15 minutes or less), guided reflections, and simple exercises. You’ll also interact with the trainer and others taking the course.
When you complete the course, you’ll receive a downloadable Certificate of Completion to share with the person managing volunteers at the care community where you’d like to serve.
We’re excited that you’re taking the next step!
First…
Become a NALTCV subscriber by creating an account to access the training and the full range of resources NALTCV offers.
Why?
We’ve found that a small annual subscription fee ($35) helps us identify and support individuals who are truly committed to making a difference. This nominal fee isn’t about financial support for NALTCV — it’s a simple way for volunteers to demonstrate their dedication. That commitment is what sets our Companion Volunteers apart and enriches the lives of the people they visit.
Once you subscribe, you will have access to a wide range of resources, including the NALTCV Volunteering in Long-Term Care training course that prepares you to be a Companion volunteer. Successfully completing the course earns you a Certificate of Completion and opens the door to ongoing training, best practices, and networking.
You’ll also receive newsletters, updates, and opportunities to grow your skills and deepen your impact. Being part of a larger volunteer community brings encouragement, confidence, and connection as you begin your journey.
As an NALTCV Companion Volunteer, you will have access to:
State-of-the-art training for volunteering in long-term care and a Certificate of Completion.
Resources to support your volunteer experience.
Advanced training on visiting with people living with dementia.
Monthly newsletters and articles about volunteering in care communities.
Live webinars and opportunities to interact with other NALTCV subscribers.
Help finding a care community near you where you can serve.
Your subscription will automatically renew one year from the date your payment is processed.
*There are no refunds on subscriptions.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
This is a volunteer position without financial compensation. The rewards of building meaningful relationships and improving someone’s well-being are truly immeasurable. Please complete the form below if interested.
“Your presence is the gift — no experience required, just a willing heart.”