PCA's Senior Companion Program helps older adults thrive at home

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

When Marguerite Spann comes to visit Edna Cain, she always wears a smile.

"A smile is very important and encouraging, and it uplifts a person's spirit too," says Marguerite Spann, a volunteer with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's Senior Companion Program. "I love to talk and socialize with people."

Spann has been volunteering with the program for the last 12 years.

"The Senior Companion Program is a senior volunteer program that connects senior volunteers to socially isolated seniors in the community," says Andrea DeLoatch, Manager of PCA's Senior Companion Program. "The goal of the program is for seniors in the community to stay connected and to live independently in their homes."

"Our mission is to make them happy," says Spann.

Cain joined the program last year and was paired up with Spann.

"A lot of us are in our homes by ourselves, and sometimes you need someone to talk to," says Cain. "She comes in and she don't just talk, but she will listen."

Cain says having that companionship with Spann has "made me feel better."

Spann in turn calls Cain, "my buddy."

"I see her four days a week," says Spann. "This is something we both look forward to."

"She has a beautiful personality," says Cain.

They do everyday things together.

DeLoatch says senior companion volunteers can do things like run errands and help prep meals, typically doing things that friends do with one another.

They often share lunch and watch the daytime dramas.

"And just enjoy one another's company," says Cain.

"The mission of PCA is to improve the quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities," says DeLoatch.

Senior volunteers must be 55 or older, able to serve 20 hours a week and pass a criminal background check.

"A major benefit is that they get to do something very rewarding," she says. "They actually develop a really close bond."

There are about 40 volunteers in the program, matched with seniors who live in the same area.

"The older adults that typically receive the service are 60 years or older. They are socially isolated, and they are residents of Philadelphia," she says.

"I highly recommend this program," says Cain.

"This is one of the happiest programs you could be in, as a senior companion. And I'm bringing joy in her life, and she's keeping joy in my life. I mean, what more can you ask for?" asks Spann.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's Senior Companion Program, or to volunteer, call PCA's Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit PCACares.org.

For more information: PCA's Senior Companion Program