Senior FAQ

To be matched, seniors must be 65 or older, complete a senior application, and participate in an interview. We also welcome individuals under 65 who may experience isolation due to disabilities. Applications are often completed by individuals seeking connection, caregivers, or family members who recognize a loved one's need for companionship, or we have seniors who are volunteers themselves.

Yes! Many older adults in our program have friends, family, or support from agencies like Meals on Wheels or Telehelp who visit regularly. However, they may still experience a lack of social connection and meaningful friendship. The CDC states that social isolation—defined as a lack of meaningful social connections—can still occur even in assisted living facilities, increasing the risk of negative mental and physical health conditions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). There are seven days in a week and as one of our supporters shared, “The days can get pretty long when you’re alone.”

The age of our Befriender seniors are typically 65 years old and beyond, but there are exceptions when younger than 65 years old seniors are accepted into the program. The abilities of our seniors are varied within levels of mobility, vision, hearing, and memory.

Befrienders will not accept seniors into the program who have the following health conditions, they are ineligible to be a part of the Befrienders program (though an exception may be made in some cases):

• Advanced dementia such as is consistent with Stages 6 and 7 of Alzheimer’s, including confusing of environment and surroundings, inability to remember most details of personal history, major personality changes, etc. This is not to say that a senior may not remain in our program after experiencing a decline.
• Communication issues so severe that it is impossible/improbable to carry on a relatively normal conversation with the person.

Don't wait to apply if you think there is a line, this will only cause a longer waiting period!

matches can be made within weeks to months, depending on the interests, needs, and person.

The number of seniors waiting to be matched varies throughout the year, so we encourage everyone to apply anytime, try not to wait until spring!

In the winter, we see fewer senior applications, but come spring, there’s a surge—often leading to longer wait times for matches. Volunteer applications peak in the fall, and after the holidays, continuing through May. However, as summer approaches, we see a drop in volunteer sign-ups.

At any given time, there are always seniors waiting to be matched. However, matches are based on shared interests and needs rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. Some seniors find a match within a week, while others may wait months for the right volunteer.

No matter the season, Befrienders can always use more volunteers and seniors! If you’re considering joining, don’t wait—your time and companionship could make all the difference for volunteers and seniors!

All volunteers are required to complete an interview and training session, reference, and background checks before joining our program. To ensure continued success, volunteers and seniors receive regular check-ins every few months, offering an opportunity to discuss any needs for additional support or resources. We are committed to supporting both our volunteers and seniors and encourage participants to reach out with questions, concerns, or updates about their match.

Before matching volunteers with a senior, we provide thorough training and conduct reference and background checks for all volunteers. For senior participants, the process begins with a home visit after receiving their application. During this visit, we take the time to learn about their interests, hobbies, and personalities.

Next, we recommend a match between a volunteer and a senior. To ensure a smooth start, we accompany them to their initial meeting at the senior’s home, which typically lasts about an hour. If the match feels promising, contact information is exchanged, and the senior and volunteer coordinate their weekly visits moving forward.

How they choose to spend their time together is entirely up to them! Popular activities include working on crafts, going out to lunch, strolling downtown, playing games, chatting over tea or coffee, visiting a museum, or simply enjoying meaningful conversation in the comfort of their home.

Volunteers commit to meeting with their Befriender for at least one hour per week. However, if the volunteer has more time or special events/activities they would like to take you to, they may visit more often or for longer periods. If your volunteer is a student, they’ll likely be gone over the December holidays. Some Older Adults in our program are extremely isolated with little to no support; Some may not even have family members, in these circumstances, Befrienders staff can make accommodations for the senior to have more than one Befriender.

It really depends on the match! Befrienders are paired based on shared interests and availability, and every senior has different needs and capabilties.

Some older adults live completely alone and need more social connection, Some live in assisted living facilities with little or no family. Others live with spouses, children, or other relatives but need a friend.

Activities vary widely:
- Running errands, like grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions
- Going for short hikes, out to coffee, or on small adventures, an art show or other community events
- Simply sitting together and sharing conversation, especially for those with limited abilities to getting out

There are no one-size-fits-all expectations—each match is unique. But in every case, Befrienders visits have the potential to bring joy, companionship, and meaningful connection to both the senior and the volunteer.

Call Befrienders anytime at 406-522-8169 or email info@befriendersbozeman.org