Adults living in Erie County ages 55 and older who have difficulty with daily living tasks are eligible to participate in the program. Companions provide quality support and can 
offer assistance with:

• Arranging transportation for shopping or medical appointments
• Light housekeeping and cooking
• Advice about community, state and federal services and benefits
• Errands
• Friendly visitation
• Reading and writing letters
• Reminders to take medication
• Notifying loved ones of health changes

Senior Companions are volunteers 55 years and older from Erie county who meet income eligibility requirements. They are friendly, caring, active people who want to stay involved with their community. 

Senior Companions must pass a physical exam, background check, and attend orientation before a client is assigned. Senior Companions serve 5 to 40 hours per week and earn a tax-free hourly stipend, plus travel and meal reimbursement. This does not affect eligibility for Social Security, food stamps, rent subsidy, disability payments or other similar programs. Senior Companions share that the most valuable benefit they receive from their volunteer work is the personal satisfaction they derive from helping others.

Want to learn more about joining the program or becoming a Companion?
Contact Us: 716.768.2381

Apply

• Senior Companion Volunteer Application
• Senior Companion Program Participant Referral Form

Case managers will be assigned to specific geographic areas and help create individualized service plans based upon a comprehensive assessment. For those enrolled, the People Inc. Senior Service Outreach Program will assist with providing connections to access appropriate services, benefits and entitlements, including:

• Adult Day Care
• Caregiver Resource Center
• Discount Programs
• Food Stamps
• Health Insurance
• Home Care Services
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
• Housekeeping
• Meals on Wheels
• Medicaid
• Medicare Savings Program
• Personal Care Services
• Personal Emergency Response Systems
• Property Tax Reduction
• Weatherization

For Participants:

• A safe, friendly atmosphere and caring staff
• Opportunities to make friends, share experiences and so much more
• Exercises to promote balance, circulation, coordination and flexibility
• Art therapy, combining music, poetry and imagery to encourage 
• self-esteem and self-expression
• Hot, nutritious meals
• Enhanced or maintained level of independence
• Prevention or delay in nursing home placement

For Caregivers:
Much-needed respite - time to run errands or just a break from round-the-clock care.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This flexible program can also accommodate needs for earlier drop-off and later pick-up.

Cost: Program is covered by Medicaid if the person is receiving care under a Long-Term Home Health Care or Managed Care Program. Other funding sources available. Private pay rate is $45 per day and includes breakfast and lunch. Transportation is an additional $15. Seniors Unlimited is partially funded by Erie County Department of Senior Services and the New York State Office for the Aging.

Caregivers of loved ones with dementia or other memory loss issues have two overriding concerns when it comes to adult day programs. One concern is whether their loved one will be cared for as they would care for them. This concern is quickly eased when we share that the staff at Seniors Unlimited is highly trained in the area of dementia/memory loss. They have proven to be knowledgeable, respectful and informative for both the people who attend our day program and their families. The other concern revolves around cost. The Seniors Unlimited social day program is generally covered by Medicaid if the individual is receiving care under a Long Term Home Health Care program. If not covered by insurance, there are other funding sources available. The cost of People Inc. Seniors Unlimited day care program is $40 per day and includes breakfast and a hot lunch, as well as transportation within Buffalo.

1. My mother has beginning stages of dementia and she is so bored. She watches television all day long. How can I help her?

Adult day programs provide unique opportunities by trained staff including social, physical, and recreational activities. We strive to tailor activities to each person’s interest.

2. Are there special programs designed for people with dementia and memory loss problems?

People Inc.’s Seniors Unlimited has been serving people with dementia for over 15 years. The staff is specifically trained on working with individuals with dementia/memory loss. The staff reviews each person’s assessment created by their family and develops a care plan specific to that person. At Seniors Unlimited staff uses music, exercise, arts/crafts and reminiscing programs to help people delay further memory decline.

3. What does your program do to promote physical exercise?

At Seniors Unlimited, physical exercise is encouraged several times a week. Staff models the exercise to engage the seniors. Staff uses audio, visual, and athletic equipment to add variety. At Seniors Unlimited the seniors are encouraged to be as independent as they are able.

4. What does your program do to promote mental exercise?

At Seniors Unlimited we recently started a physical and mental exercise called "Tai Chi" which helps people relax, promotes physical fitness and helps with balance and fall prevention. The seniors regularly work on reminiscing activities, including book club, social circle, and games. Staff encourages those who are able to hang up their coats, set the table at meal time, and clean up after themselves.

5. Who attends adult day programs?

Those who have developed dementia or memory loss which may be caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart disease or any other illness attend our day program.

6. How do you stimulate those that attend?

Our program offers a large variety of activities including an art instructor once a week. Many people who attend enjoy giving back to the community. They have volunteered for the Veterans Administration, SPCA, Operation Christmas Child, and Westminster Child Care. As an example they have packaged the dog food at our site and have the opportunity, if they choose, to go off site and deliver the food. In addition, people in our program also go to book clubs, a ceramics group, and an art group. All these groups are held at other sites offering socialization and community integration. The seniors enjoy going out to restaurants, Sheas, Wegmans, AC Moores, Museums, Parks, and Fairs. We are always open to new ideas and new places.

7. What makes your program so unique for dementia and other memory loss individuals?

Our staff has over 30 years combined experience working with individuals with memory loss. They have been trained in behavioral modification and dementia care and have worked successfully with many seniors who have behavioral concerns. Another unique aspect is our strong focus on community activities. 

8. It is too difficult to get my loved one ready to go in the morning. What can I do?

You may be able to get the assistance of a home health aide for bathing and dressing your loved one. Our staff can help with referrals. 

9. My mother lives in South Buffalo and I cannot get her there in the morning? Do you provide transportation?

Our program provides transportation throughout Buffalo.

10. What happens if my father doesn’t like the program or does not want to come every day?

Our staff will work with those that are reluctant to attend and their family members. Once people attend they generally love it and rarely decide not to come back. If they decide not to continue in the program, but choose to come back at a later date, they are more than welcome. You can determine how often your loved one attends.

11. What happens if my mother is sick the day she is to attend?

You are not committed financially if your loved one is not able to attend. We just ask that you call and report the absence so the transportation coordinator and site is aware.

12. My father takes medication. I understand that social day programs cannot administer medication.

Our staff is not able to administer medication but we are able to remind your father to take his medication at a specific time. All staff is trained in CPR first aid.

13. What if my mother has a bad day?

Everyone has a bad day every now and again, but our staff is specially trained to handle crisis situations. We focus on being proactive and recognizing the early warning signs of potential behavior concerns. We keep in close contact with the family/care providers to keep updated on medical or other concerns that might effect a persons' day.

Information: 716.768.2370