Southern Maine Agency on Aging

There are difficulties that come with being a full-time caregiver, but with a recent grant from the National Community Care Corps, SMAA’s Volunteer Respite Care Companion Program can help!

SMAA aims to match trained/screened volunteers with older adults who have difficulty living independently, and their family caregivers. In consistent, weekly visits, care recipients will enjoy connections with a new friend; caregivers will receive respite to improve their mental, emotional, physical, and financial health, and their ability continue supporting their loved ones at home!

During weekly visits, volunteers provide companionship and light, non-medical assistance to an older adult in their home.

Activities may include:

• Engaging in friendly conversation
• Reading together
• Sharing hobbies or going for a walk
• Light household tasks (sorting mail, making a snack, basic tech help)

These volunteer visits can help a caregiver recharge while knowing their loved one is in good hands!