Which colleges and universities is Time Together recruiting students from?
Time Together serves families in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania counties. Most students rely on public transportation to travel to Time Together families’ homes, meaning that we prioritize locations that are approximately 30 minutes commute time from their schools. We are always looking to expand the schools we are involved with. Please contact Meg Kalafsky if you have any connections to schools, you might be able to offer!
Colleges in the Philadelphia area: Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College, Arcadia University, Penn State – Abington, Holy Family University , La Salle University, Community College of Philadelphia, St. Joseph’s University, Haverford College, Villanova University, PCOM, Chestnut Hill College, Delaware County Community College, Salus University, Eastern University, West Chester University – Philadelphia
What is the service area for caregivers that want to participate in the Time Together In-Home program?
It is easier to connect participating families if they live within 30 minutes, via public transit, from an university participating in our program.
What is the service area for caregivers that want to participate in the virtual Weekly Smile program?
Because Weekly Smile is virtual, Weekly Smile is open all families regardless of geographical location.
Who is eligible to participate in Time Together?
You may be eligible if you live in the Philadelphia area and care for an older adult who is frail, living with mild cognitive impairment, or mild to moderate dementia.
For Time Together in-home services, your loved one must be able to perform basic activities of daily living. Students will not provide personal care, such as assistance bathing, dressing, feeding, or toileting, and can not administer medication or therapies.
Can students visit with older adults who are not living in the community (such as those in independent living, nursing homes, etc.)?
Unfortunately, we are unable to match students with those who live in independent living communities, nursing homes, etc.
What training do the student receive?
Students participate in a training to help them learn more about older adults, dementia, and how to be an effective companion. Click here to complete the first part of our training process.
How are the student screened for safety?
Both families and students are required to participate in a background check to ensure they are appropriate to participate.
How many hours of service can I receive per week? Is there flexibility in my schedule?
Time Together: Student providing Time Together in-home services, are able to serve between 4 and 10 hours per week. Students providing in-home services, typically have availability on one to three days per week for 2 to 4 hours per shift. We ask that a permanent, consistent schedule is set but on a week to week basis can absolutely be flexible with their schedule based on everyone’s availability.
Weekly Smile: Students participating in the Weekly Smile program generally volunteer to spend 45-90 mins once per week connecting with an older adult. We ask that a permanent, consistent schedule is set but on a week to week basis can absolutely be flexible with their schedule based on everyone’s availability.
Can the students transport my loved one?
During our in-home Time Together program, a student and your loved one may go on walks around your house and neighborhood if this is deemed safe. Students are not able or trained to transport anyone either via car or public transit. Participants of the Weekly Smile program are unable to meet in-person.
Is there financial assistance for the in-home services?
We are able to offer our Weekly Smile program at no cost to families! If the cost of Time Together’s in-home services may be a financial barrier for your participation, please let us know during the intake process. We strive to include all families and can offer reduced costs for some of our participating families based on family income. Please reach out to Meg Kalafsky (megan.kalafsky@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) for more information.
During Time Together, can I leave the house while the student is spending companionship time with my loved one?
Yes! Once the student and your loved one are comfortable spending time together, we welcome you to leave your home as you see appropriate.