Visiting Companions
Friendly visits that spark joy and connection.
Bring friendship into your life—one visit at a time.
Visiting Companions pairs older adults with background-checked, trained volunteers for meaningful, in-person visits. Based on location, you and your companion can create a schedule that works for you. Most companions visit 1–2 times per month.
How It Works
Here's what to expect when you sign up:
Welcome Call & Home Visit
We’ll start with a warm welcome call to arrange a visit, then pop by to answer your questions and discover what matters most to you in a new friend.
Matching Process
Based on what matters to you, and on availability and location, we will pair you with the best possible fit.
Scheduled Visits
Your new companion calls to arrange a first visit. Together you decide on a regular schedule.
All volunteers and older adults are background-checked and volunteers are trained by Friends & Co staff. Older adult participants, like volunteers, must submit and pass a background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Click a question below to read the answer.
Who can sign up for Visiting Companions?
People 70 years or older who live in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area seeking meaningful social connection are invited to sign up.
What happens after I sign up?
We’ll phone you you and confirm that in-person visits are a good fit. If so, we’ll arrange to a visit to learn what you hope for in a friend. Next, we’ll search for a volunteer for you.
How long does it take to be matched with a volunteer?
We do our best to make matches quickly, but some factors are outside our control.
Geographic proximity: When older adults and volunteers live near each other, matches often happen quickly. If they’re farther apart, wait times can be longer.
High demand: Many people are eager to join, which can also lengthen the time it takes to find the right match.
Who are the volunteers?
Our volunteers come from all ages and backgrounds, from college students to older adults, and all share the desire to be a friend to someone in the community. Each volunteer completes a background check and online training before being matched, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide meaningful connection. Volunteers are background checked and complete online training before being matched.
What do Visiting Companions do during visits?
Every friendship is different. Some companions chat over coffee, take walks, play cards, or simply enjoy quiet time together.
They do not provide transportation, run errands, handle medical or personal care, or perform household chores.
Still have questions?
Email us at companions@friendsco.org or call (612) 746-0737
Get Started
I’m an older adult and want to be paired with a Visiting Companion.
I know someone 70+ who lives in the Twin Cities metro area and would enjoy in-person visits.
Be a Visiting Companion
Your time and presence can be the bright spot in an older adult’s routine. We’ll provide training and support — all you need to do is show up and be a friend.