Center of Concern’s Senior Companion Program Faces Funding Cuts

(Des Plaines, IL) A vital program serving older adults across suburban Cook County is at risk of collapse due to a sudden halt in federal funding. On Wednesday, June 25th, the Center of Concern was informed that the future of its Senior Companion Program is uncertain due to federal funding cuts.

For over a decade, the Senior Companion Program has transformed lives through a powerful and simple formula: matching older adult volunteers with homebound or isolated peers to provide critical companionship and practical help.

In the past year, Center of Concern's 52 Senior Companion Program volunteers provided more than 55,000 hours of service to 115 older adult clients in need, offering everything from rides to medical appointments and help with groceries to conversation that staves off the devastating effects of isolation and loneliness.

Over the years, the Senior Companion Program has seen volunteers begin as companions, helping others, only to eventually be paired with their own companions when they themselves needed support. For the Center of Concern and the community it serves, this is the cycle of dignity and community the program represents.

“We all depend on this money so I hope this gets resolved soon. I'm praying we don't lose the program and so are my clients. They are having a hard time with this,” one Senior Companion reports.

Each week, Senior Companions provide essential support to their peers through services like grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, or simply being a friend. This no-cost service empowers clients to maintain their independence, avoid costly institutional care, and stay connected to their community.

The Center of Concern plans to continue operating the Senior Companion Program with the hope that continued funding will ensure its long-term availability. The Center of Concern plans to communicate with local impacted communities to secure funding to sustain the program in these uncertain times.

Companions, all age 55 or older, often live on limited incomes themselves. Those who qualify receive a modest, non-taxable stipend and transportation reimbursement in return for their time, which is about 15 hours per week. The rewards far exceed dollars. Volunteers report a deep sense of purpose, and they also participate in ongoing trainings, including tech-focused sessions introduced
during the pandemic.

With more than 40% of older adults in the U.S. experiencing loneliness, and many struggling with access to care or mobility, the Senior Companion Program fills a critical gap. It is cost effective and community driven. The Center of Concern calls for continued federal investment in the Senior Companion Program to ensure that more older adults can live safely, independently, and with
dignity.

To learn more about the program, visit centerofconcern.org/senior-companion-program or
call 847-823-0453.