“You’ve got a friend …” crooned James Taylor 30 years ago. At 53, he is well on his way to becoming a senior citizen himself. I’m sure he’d agree that the importance of friendship is not reserved for the young. It is just as essential to an older person.

The Senior Companion Program, offered through a partnership between the Eastern Agency on Aging and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, addresses this need.

“The primary goal of the program is to reduce isolation and, in turn, help older people remain independent and in their own homes as long as possible,” said Chuck Yaichner, senior companion supervisor for Eastern Agency on Aging. “Socialization is the key.”

Shopping, playing cards, sharing a lunch or a laugh are some of the things companions and their new friends do together. Transportation to medical or beauty appointments can mean the world to a person who otherwise might be housebound and alone. Reading, letter writing, sipping coffee and swapping stories can enrich the lives of both the companion and client. The possibilities for activities are endless.

So, how does one embark on this worthwhile endeavor?

There are certain criteria that an individual must satisfy in order to become a senior companion to our clients. For example, you must be 60 years of age or older.

While this is a volunteer position, you will be required to make a commitment of 20 hours per week. Companions generally have four to six clients.

There are benefits to becoming a senior companion – aside from helping an older person live a happier, healthier life.

If you meet certain income eligibility guidelines, you may receive a small tax-free stipend, which does not affect income eligibility for any government programs. You also will receive supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement, a yearly physical examination and training to help address any concerns that could arise with the position.

Being a senior companion is also an excellent way of making informal, continuous assessments of the clients and their living situations. Some needs may surface that have not yet been addressed. The senior companion can pass that information on to the supervisor, and the client will receive the appropriate services.

Older people benefit from this program by having someone lend a hand with their daily living tasks, provide necessary transportation and, most importantly, be a friend. Human contact reduces isolation and improves mental and physical health.

Irene Walker has been working in the program for seven years.

“I’m a senior companion because I love being with people, and I especially like older people,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t do it.”

Maureen Packard, one of Walker’s clients, is glad her companion feels that way. “I have enjoyed Irene so much,” Packard said. “We seem to be full of the devil and we laugh all the time. In fact, I hadn’t had my hair done in years until Irene took me.”

Before Walker came into her life, Packard said, she spent most of her time in the house. “I was very lonely and very depressed,” she said.

The process of uniting a senior companion with a client is fairly simple.

According to Yaichner, a referral is made to Eastern Agency from another agency or social worker who is working with the client. Sometimes, a concerned family member or even the older person will call to ask for a companion.

An assessment is made to determine the person’s individual needs and personality. The university works with Eastern Agency to make the match between companion and client. Usually it’s the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

“I really look forward to seeing her,” Packard said of Walker. “I know I can lean on her.”

So, as James Taylor asked, lo, these many years ago, “Ain’t it good to know you’ve got a friend?”

Yes, James, it is.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For more information on the Senior Companion Program, call EAA at 941-2865 and ask for Chuck or Marilyn. For more information, check the Web site at www.eaaa.org.