Caregiving Resources in the San Francisco Bay Area
For seniors who are homebound or isolated, volunteer companion programs match a volunteer with a senior to talk and share in social activities. These programs provide social stimulation and companionship to someone who might feel lonely or isolated. The companion program may also serve as respite for caregivers who are able to work on other activities in the home while the volunteer spends time with the care receiver. If you’re interested in being a volunteer visitor or requesting a volunteer, call the numbers listed below based on the area you live in.
For seniors living in the San Francisco neighborhoods of Bernal Heights, Mission or Excelsior, call Bernal Heights Neighborhood Elders Support Team at (415) 206-2140.
The Assistance League of San Mateo County has a Friendly Visiting Service for residents who live anywhere between San Bruno and San Carlos: (650) 342-3882. For seniors age 55 and over in the LGBT community who live in either Alameda or West Contra Costa County there is Lavender Seniors of the East Bay, reachable at (510) 667-9655. Seniors in Berkeley use the New Light Senior Center Friendly Visitor Program at (510) 549-2666. Residents of Central Alameda County (excluding Hayward) can contact the Friendly Visiting Program run bySenior Services Foundation at (510) 347-4620 Ext. 180.
For services in Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton or Sunol, call the Senior Support of Tri-Valley at (925) 931-5379. Tri-City residents (Fremont, Newark and Union City) call (510) 574-2097 for the Friendly Visitor Program run by LIFE Eldercare, Inc. For seniors age 60 and over in the Bay Area who are of Italian descent the Italian-American Community Services Agency has a volunteer companion program that can be reached at (415) 362-6423.
Many residents of long-term care facilities could also use friendly visitors to help with feelings of isolation and loneliness. This service may help the caregiver to know that there is somebody else visiting and looking out for their loved one when they are not there. The following organizations provide friendly visitors to long-term care residents in the areas specified. These programs are also interested in hearing from people who would like to volunteer. ELDERGIVERS at (415) 441-2650 serves long term care residents age 60+ living in San Francisco. Marin County residents use the services of Love Is the Answer (LITA) at (415) 472-5482. Residents of Santa Clara County can contact the Friendly Visitor Program organized by Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County at (408) 325-5134.
For Spanish-speaking seniors in Marin County the Community Mental Health Services, in conjunction with Whistlestop Senior Center, offers Amigos Consejeros a su Alcance (ACASA), a free peer-counseling service that matches a volunteer to the person in need of emotional support. There is a ten-week training program for volunteers. Contact ACASA at (415) 454-1551 for more information.
Caring Hands, a volunteer caregiver program through John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System, provides a sitter/companion who spends one to three hours once a week with the care receiver so that the family caregiver can have respite. Services include companionship, transportation, light household tasks and meal preparation. Personal care is not provided. Services are based on the availability of volunteers and serves residents age 60 and over in Central, East or South Contra Costa County. Contact Carol Louisell at (925) 952-2999 for information.
The mission of An Elderly Wish Foundation (AEWF) is to enrich the lives of the elderly who have a terminal or life threatening disease by making a special wish come true. AEWF, a nonprofit organization, offers seniors in Contra Costa County hope during difficult times. For more information, visit www.elderlywish.org or call (925) 978-1883.
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