Senior Friends & Virtual Friends
Senior Friends volunteers make a difference in the lives of our senior community!
The Senior Friends program matches volunteers with lonely and socially isolated elders in communities throughout Pierce County. Volunteers are matched with a client based on their common interests, location and time availability. Both Senior Friend volunteers and the clients they serve report that their lives are enriched by the friendships they form within the program.
Virtual Friends: Bringing a New Kind of Friendship to the Lives of Seniors
During the pandemic, Senior Friends added a Virtual Friend offering. This division of the program does the same thing as our in-person program in a virtual format. Virtual Friends is desirable for volunteers who travel extensively and college students who may not live in Pierce County full-time.
Connecting with Your Client
As a Senior Friend, you’ll provide a client with social engagement, companionship and connection to our community on a regular basis. You can read or play games with your Senior Friend, take walks together or share hobbies. The opportunities are endless, and we know you’ll find exciting and fulfilling activities to engage your client.
Extensive studies conclude that positive social interaction reduces the effects of dementia, depression and isolation, in turn delaying the need for nursing home care. It is our hope that we can make a positive impact on cognitive decline within our senior community.
Sign up to find your new Senior Friend today!
How the Senior Friends Program Works
Volunteers: The Senior Friends Program Coordinator will match you with a lonely or isolated senior for friendship. Your commitment is a minimum of four hours per month for at least a year. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, submit an application, pass a background check and provide three references. After an initial interview, you’ll take part in a three-hour training where you can prepare to be the best Senior Friend to your client. Senior Friends who are willing to drive with their client will need to have proof of auto insurance and a clear driving record for the last three years.
Senior Clients: Seniors within the Pierce County community who are interested in signing up as a client must be at least 65 years of age, with some exceptions, and must self-identify as lonely or socially isolated. If you or someone you know could benefit from a friend, please reach out.
Find your new friend today!
Contact: [email protected] or (253)722-5682
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