Companionship in retirement years is a challenge. Mobility decreases, loved ones die, and younger people communicate with seemingly foreign technology. Depression, loneliness, and hopelessness drive up elderly suicide rates. Companionship that encourages all aspects of health dwindles, making the difference between whether or not a senior is able to stay in the familiar surroundings of home.

Some seniors have calling trees: each morning a person calls a second person, the second person calls a third, etc. to be sure everyone was able to get out of bed.  Meal delivery by volunteers to seniors is another source of contact with others, albeit brief. Senior social clubs provide time to hang out with others, sometimes going on excursions. Some agencies bring together low-income single seniors to share apartments.  

A growing option is Non-Medical Elderly Companionship. Separate from in-home medical care, the senior chooses how many weekly hours to have the companion. She also selects services such as housekeeping, pet care, and gardening. The companion could prepare meals and run errands.  The senior may need help fixing hair or dressing. Some companions provide stimulation through conversation and reading or by playing games and doing puzzles.  Some seniors prefer a hand with writing letters and bill payments. Sometimes companions transport seniors to appointments, activities, and visits. A companion can remind the senior to take medicines and can observe the senior's health condition.

After selecting a list of services, the senior meets with the prospect and decides if they are compatible.  At the least the senior receives companionship from a person employed to accompany and assist.  At the most friendship develops, accidents are avoided, and dignity is maintained.