Companion Volunteer – Position Description

Companion volunteers help strengthen connection, reduce loneliness, and bring meaningful human presence to the people living in long-term care communities. Your steady, caring visits have a lasting impact.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships – Form meaningful connections while honoring each person’s preferences and privacy.
• Social interaction – Engage in conversation, active listening, reading aloud, simple games, or taking walks together.
• Emotional support – Offer comfort, presence, and empathy during each visit.
• Individualized activities – Support hobbies, interests, and person-directed moments that make life feel familiar and meaningful.
• Non-medical assistance – Help with things like writing letters, small crafts, or accompanying someone to community spaces.
• Advocacy – Share observations or concerns with staff when something needs attention.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality – Follow community guidelines and protect personal information.

Qualifications

• Compassion and empathy – A genuine desire to support people living in care communities.
• Strong interpersonal skills – Ability to build rapport with the people you will visit and staff.
• Dependability – Commitment to consistent, reliable visits.
• Patience and flexibility – Comfort with changes in communication, mood, or routine.
• Respectful, non-judgmental attitude – Honoring each person’s background, identity, and life story.
• Ability to follow guidance – Willingness to learn and follow community policies.
• Physical and emotional readiness – Capacity to engage in conversation and handle emotional moments.
• Background check – Required for the safety of the people you’ll visit.

This is a volunteer position without financial compensation. The rewards of building meaningful relationships and improving someone’s well-being are truly immeasurable.