beFriend, Inc.
Mission: To alleviate loneliness in the isolated institutional elderly community by matching them with generous-hearted volunteer friends to foster connection and compassion that benefits all.
About beFriend
Befriend is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit limited liability corporation that connects elderly people living in institutions (independent and assisted living communities) with volunteers who offer to spend at least an hour a week visiting and befriending them. These volunteers (Friends) will be students in high school and college, with any willing adult accepted as a volunteer. The volunteers will be screened via references or background checks as necessary, and be asked to commit to a six-month period of visits. The elderly participants (Seniors) will be recruited from local Bryan/College Station independent and senior living facilities and identified by facility staff such as a Resident Director, Activity Director, or social worker.
The basic programming is to match Seniors with Friends in order to foster connection that allows companionship for the Seniors and compassionate service opportunities for Friends. In this way the Seniors get the benefit of social interaction and connection and the Friends, especially the students, learn valuable life skills related to social interaction, perspective taking, patience, and communication. The benefits are truly bi-directional and it is the hope that some of those relationships continue and enhance the lives of both parties into the future.
Board of Directors
How it Benefits Seniors
According to the National Institute on Aging older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness due to changes in health and social connections that can come with growing older, hearing, vision, and memory loss, disability, trouble getting around, and/or the loss of family and friends. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose.
When seniors move into senior care facilities, they leave their old home, and that often involves leaving behind some close friends and neighbors. Physical health and mobility issues may also make it more difficult for them to engage in the activities they once enjoyed.
Factors contributing to social isolation among older adults in assisted living communities include communication barriers, cognitive impairment, geographical constraints, discrimination, and a lack of integration between the community and long-term care facilities. These factors result in reduced social networks and increased dependence on care staff, further exacerbating the risk of social isolation. Addressing social isolation requires a holistic approach that involves assisted living communities, healthcare systems, and the broader community. By recognizing the public health concerns associated with social isolation, we can work towards implementing strategies and interventions to promote social engagement, reduce loneliness, and improve the overall well-being of older adults.
The Texas Health Care Association reports that approximately 60% of nursing home residents report having no regular visitors, based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Studies show that a significant portion of residents receive visits only a few times per month, with some receiving only one visit per month or less. Having a weekly visit from a volunteer friend can greatly increase the social connectedness that these residents feel.
There are around 25 senior living facilities in the immediate Bryan/College Station area with thousands of residents. We have a chance to make a meaningful impact to the lives of these residents.
How it Benefits Friends
On the other side of the equation, the young adults who volunteer will gain skills that will help them for the rest of their lives. An article in Cogir (https://cogirusa.com/intergenerational-bonding-has-benefits-for-young-and-old) reflects that they can learn to slow down and have patience with others and respect different lifestyles and methods of being. Many seniors have reduced hearing or vision, and may move at a slower pace, so younger people who interact with seniors can learn to slow down, have patience, and listen well. They may need to slow their pace when walking alongside a senior, or offer their arm to steady them. They may need to wait for a few minutes for the older person to collect their thoughts or communicate. According to studies conducted in intergenerational programs, learning these skills at an early age can benefit everyone in life as they interact with others, and can make for a more caring and compassionate society. And of course, they get to benefit from the wisdom and rich history of our oldest generation.
On a practical level, most of the students in our community are seeking community service or volunteer opportunities to include in resumes or college applications or belong to student organizations that focus on community service and giving back to the community.
