ElderFriends is a volunteer-based friendly visitation program, designed to help keep elders living in the community, in their own homes and remaining independent for as long as possible.  Too often the modern solution to providing care for elders means institutionalizing them in nursing homes.  Not only are nursing homes the most expensive way to care for frail elders, they are typically the one thing they fear most. We have been working in the greater Richmond area in an effort to relieve isolation and loneliness among ‘shut-in’ elders. 

ElderFriends is a service of Family Lifeline, which has seen the benefits of a program like this in promoting the well being of the elderly.  ElderFriends was established in Richmond in Fall 2005.  It was a replicated model of the successful ElderFriends program established in Seattle in 1996 by founding director, Kiersten Ware. ElderFriends is now delivering socialization services to address isolation and loneliness among Richmond’s elder population.