Is there a need for a "companion " service in the community? Someone who can visit and just interact in a non medical intellectual way?

Yes, there is a need. And I think people would pay for it. Maybe taking someone shopping or do it for them. For shut ins running errands, maybe clean up a little.

Your problem would be what to charge.

I know people who are sitters - provide non medical like reading the paper, errands, writing letters, etc. Hospice has volunteers who sit while the caregiver goes shopping, etc. You would be paid by the family. Some agencies have sitters as well. The people I know worked for themselves because they made more money that way.

Senior centers can provide some relief and activity provided that one can get to one. They exist in many areas. From what I have known of some I do think they meet certain needs.

Insurance won’t pay for companion sitters and most non medical helpers. State agencies might hire you for some Medicaid or Medicare related service for at home assistance with activities of daily living, but it will involve physical labor and pay is minimal. Cleaning house, cooking, incontinence.

I am attempting to provide something of real use...not only because isolation is a major concern for my own wellbeing right now, but also to obtain a little income for myself...I am experiencing a DESPERATELY DISCRIMINATORY career block and don't "qualify " for any benefits or social services...too old to be brought into a corporate hurd... too young for social security...alone out here with the rest of us.
I too have no trust or faith in any system...

In my area they are actually called companions.

These services already exist, they are called "sitters".

There are also volunteers that do this. Also, that's the other benefit of programs like Meals on Wheels. It's just not food delivery but a little welfare check everyday. It gives homebound seniors daily interaction, albeit for a short period of time.

Absolutely. And it used to be common. When towns were smaller and people were less busy and self-absorbed, visiting the sick and infirm was a regular thing. Church members were very involved in this sort of activity and many small churches in rural communities still practice this. Elders were respected and valued for their knowledge and life experiences. We weren’t considered a pain in the ass if we needed help, had no money and had things around our home that needed fixing. The community came together, the men did the work and the women provided the food for the helpers. People didn’t have to jump through government hoops to find help. If someone in the family became ill and/or incapacitated, community members came and visited so the caregivers got a break. They brought meals, cleaned, did laundry and provided a shoulder to cry on when the outlook was bleak. My aunt lived in that sort of community in Indiana and when she was older, she and my uncle moved back. Her community welcomed her and my uncle (who had not been a member of her community) with open arms.

Yes, there is a need. A great need. But it’s not something you can force people to do. Being kind and caring and wanting to help isn’t something that you can suddenly say you’re going to be. It has to be part of your make up and how you were raised.

lonliness is becoming a big problem in this world today . everybody is sitting around pecking on their phones like a bunch of demented chickens .
friends are few and when you realize one is using you for more than theyre willing to provide , you have to cut that one loose .

i feel its better to be alone than to be taken advantage of .