Elder FAQ

Commonly Asked Questions about ElderFriends Friendly Visiting Program:

Q: Who are ElderFriends?

• ElderFriends is a group of volunteers in King County.
• Volunteers are screened and trained by ElderFriends staff.
• We are a non-profit program of ElderHealth Northwest.
• We pre-screen, train and support volunteers who want to develop a friendship with an elder in the community.
• This is strictly friendly visits: if you feel lonely or wish to have company, our volunteers can help.

Q: How much does this cost?

• Nothing.

Q: How Does this work?

ElderFriends staff will find a volunteer to visit with you, once you have agreed to meet this person:

• The volunteer will first call you to arrange a time that is convenient to visit.
• The first two or three visits are on a "trial basis" so that you don't have to make a decision right away about committing to a friendship.
• If you decide that you both enjoy each other and wish to continue visits, our volunteers are committed to visiting you at least two times a month.
• All visits are arranged between you and the volunteer.
• You can stop any time you want to and for any reason.

Q: How long will they stay?

• Volunteers will visit with you for at least an hour.
• They will only visit for as long as you both are comfortable.

Elder Referral Form

Kathleen and Emma developed a close friendship over the course of the 5 years that they visited before Emma passed away. They shared mutual interests in Eastern religion, theosophy, feminist perspectives, travel, social justice and politics.