Caregiver Companions
A friend for the journey
Program Coordinator:
Gaines Collins
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around"
- Leo Buscaglia
Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding, challenging, exhausting, and isolating. Sometimes, what you need most is someone who understands because they've been there, too.
Caregiver Companions connects family caregivers with experienced caregivers who offer understanding, encouragement, a listening ear, and support along the way. Our free, one-to-one peer support program helps caregivers feel less alone and to become a more confident, informed caregiver.
Every caregiver is different, and so is every Companion relationship. Connect in person, by phone, text, email, Zoom, or FaceTime. You and your Companion can choose the ways to communicate that work best for your preferences and schedules, and we can help overcome any technology concerns.
You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
Every caregiver's experience is different. You may be adjusting to a recent diagnosis, trying to manage changing needs, struggling to balance caregiving with the rest of your life, or wondering what lies ahead.
Caregiver Companions pairs you with someone who has personal experience caring for a loved one. Your Companion can listen without judgment, offer encouragement, share lessons learned, and provide a place to talk openly about the realities of caregiving.
Sometimes you'll want to talk through a difficult situation. Other times, you may simply need someone who understands what you're going through.
For Family Caregivers: What can a Companion offer?
Your Companion is someone you can talk with about the challenges, questions, and emotions that come with caring for a person living with dementia.
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A listening ear: Talk openly with someone who understands the demands of caregiving.
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Understanding without judgment: Share your frustrations, worries, and difficult days with someone who has been there.
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Encouragement and perspective: Receive reassurance and learn from another caregiver's experiences.
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A connection just for you: Build a relationship with someone whose focus is supporting you.
Who can participate?
Any person who is an unpaid primary caregiver to a loved one who is living with a form of dementia.
How do I get started?
Complete the caregiver application to tell us a little about your caregiving situation, where you are on the journey, and the kind of support you're looking for. The program coordinator will follow up with you about next steps. If you have technical trouble or are uncomfortable with the online application, please contact the program coordinator directly.
For experienced caregivers: Become a Companion
Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from someone who understands the journey firsthand. If you've been there, done that, and want to reach back to help someone else who is navigating dementia caregiving, please apply today!
You don't need to have all the answers. You need a willingness to listen, share your experience when it's helpful, and offer encouragement as another caregiver finds their way.
What does being a Companion involve?
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Complete an interview, background check, and several hours of orientation and training before beginning.
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Be proactive about reaching out and staying in contact with your Caregiver.
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Listen without judgement, provide the understanding that only another dementia caregiver can, connect your Caregiver to local services and resources, and to evidence-based information (our program coordinator will help you with this!), and share your wisdom and personal experiences when asked.
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Do not provide unsolicited advice, nor financial, medical, or legal advice.
Personal caregiving experience is required; experience with dementia is especially helpful but is not essential. If you think you have something to contribute, please reach out to us.
Interested in helping another caregiver?
Start by completing the Companion application. Our program coordinator will explain the next steps and answer your questions. If you have technical trouble or are uncomfortable with the online application, please contact the program coordinator directly.
How the program works:
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Apply. Caregivers and prospective Companions complete the appropriate application.
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Connect with the coordinator. Caregivers participate in an intake process. Prospective Companions interview and complete the required screening.
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Prepare for the relationship. Accepted caregivers attend an orientation, while Companions complete a two-hour volunteer training.
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Get matched. DFS works to connect caregivers and Companions in a way that supports a helpful peer relationship.
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Stay connected. Partners communicate regularly, when, how often, and by what method they have both agreed to.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything?
No. Caregiver Companions is a free program.
Does my loved one need a formal dementia diagnosis?
The program is intended for primary care partners of someone with a form of dementia. Contact the coordinator if you're unsure whether your situation qualifies.
Do I have to meet my partner in person?
No. The program offers flexible ways to communicate, including phone, Zoom, text, and email.
Is this a respite care service?
No. Caregiver Companions provides support to the caregiver. Companions do not take over care of the person living with dementia or provide hands-on care.
Is this professional counseling?
No. It is a peer support relationship. Companions are NOT professionals or experts. They are volunteers who want to contribute their hard-won knowledge and empathy.
Do I need to live locally to qualify?
Definitely NOT! We welcome participants from all over the country to apply. Through Zoom, Facetime, email, text, and cell phones, we have plenty of ways to connect you with your partner.