The Friendly Visitors program at LIFE ElderCare matches frail, isolated seniors with volunteers that provide companionship through weekly visits, phone calls and outings. Currently 140 seniors are matched with caring volunteers. This program gives older adults the chance to share their knowledge and experience with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Recently, a young man in his 20′s from Ghana started visiting a 90-year-old man from Montana. When asked what they had in common he said, “Oh, we play checkers and tell jokes. He has a good sense of humor and we laugh a lot.” We have a saying in Ghana that goes something like this, “if they have seen the development of our teeth, we need to be there to see the deterioration of theirs.” Another good match is Terry, 75, who meets weekly with Susan, a homemaker in her fifties. They are both from the Philippines and share a passion for making their own jewelry.

Bernie Thien, Friendly Visitors Coordinator, has been matching seniors and volunteers for the past 10 years. After reviewing a person’s background, interests and the kind of friend they are looking for he then looks for volunteers with similar interests. Once a volunteer is identified a meeting is set up between the senior and volunteer to see if it’s a good match. If they like each other, a friendship begins!

Here are a few of the lively, interesting people in the program who are currently looking for a new friend.

· Betty - 70 Alert, friendly, talkative. Enjoys the outdoors, walking and swimming. Has traveled to Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico and New Orleans. Worked in real estate for 20 years.

· Terry – 77 Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, she now lives in Fremont. Friendly, in good physical health, enjoys company. She is looking for a volunteer friend to walk with two to three days per week to build up her stamina.

· Luella – 89 Has a nursing degree and a Master’s in psychology, worked 45 years as a nurse. Also volunteered at Kaiser Hospital for 17 years. She would like an energetic volunteer friend for socializing, short walks, assisting her with crosswords and outdoor gardening.

· Mildred – 85 Enjoys reading, TV, football and board games. Likes art, sketches in charcoal and pencil. Her daughter-in-law is a full time caregiver and would enjoy an hour or two per week for herself. Jane has enjoyed a very full life and would love to share her experiences with a volunteer friend.

· Carol – 60 Born and raised in small town in Nebraska, she enjoys country and western music, playing board games, sewing, quilting and embroidery. She would enjoy conversation, telephone calls, assisted walks, lunch and shopping outings.

· Bettie – 92 Worked in Hayward schools as instructional aide and language specialist for 20 years. She enjoys TV, radio talk shows and art. Daughter often works and Bettie is home alone. Bettie would appreciate an older volunteer visitor for conversation, phone calls, lunch and special outings. She has many stories to tell.

In addition to visiting, volunteers are invited to quarterly training sessions where they can share their stories and learn more about senior issues from experienced health professionals. They can also bring their senior to the Annual Senior/Volunteer Party held at the Fremont Senior Center.

If you are interested in participating up call Bernie, at 510-574-2097 or visit LIFE ElderCare’s website . All volunteers must pass a background check and attend an orientation prior to participating in the program.