Mel and Tom have been visiting for over a year and share a great friendship that includes talking, playing cards and periodic outings. Last year they enjoyed an evening of jazz at a local venue in Seattle.
History
Founded in 1996 by Kiersten Seeger, ElderFriends is a non-profit, volunteer based program of ElderHealth Northwest that provides companionship, outreach, and advocacy to isolated older adults throughout Seattle and King County.
Mission
ElderFriends' mission is to relieve isolation and loneliness among elders through friendly visits. We also strive to help older adults remain independent and avoid life in isolation or nursing homes.
ElderFriends was founded on the principle that some pleasures in life - like flowers, close friends, and good food in pleasant surroundings - are just as important to elders as nursing care and medicines.
Programming
We seek to accomplish our mission through three main programs. Each approach addresses the emotional needs of isolated older adults in our community in a specific way.
Friendly Visiting Program:
Sometimes known as "Adopt-A-Grandparent", our core service is an on-going visitation program that matches trained volunteers with isolated elders for friendly visits. Addressing the emotional needs of our elders takes a great deal of commitment from a volunteer. The commitment is outlined in the volunteer section of this website.
Quarterly Social Gatherings:
More opportunities for social interaction are offered at our quarterly social gatherings. Volunteers and elders who are matched for ongoing visits meet other ElderFriends participants and establish ongoing connections. Social gatherings include luncheons, ice cream socials, and holiday parties.
Thanksgiving Meal Delivery:
Each year on Thanksgiving, ElderFriends volunteers deliver hot full course turkey dinners and other goodies to isolated elders in their own homes. In addition to the meal, volunteers stay for a visit lasting about an hour. This holiday event attracts large numbers of new volunteers, many of whom pursue the Adopt-A-Grandparent program after they have had the experience of spending time with an elder friend. To read more about ElderFriends Thanksgiving event check out this news story.
