Become a Pen Pal
Imagine going days or weeks without hearing from another person. According to the CDC, one in four older adults experiences social isolation. But we can change that! Write a letter to a senior to brighten their day. You’ll create a meaningful connection that can put a stop to loneliness, and you may even make a friend for life.
How It Works
Our pen pal program connects you with a senior to spread joy and help prevent senior social isolation and loneliness.
Write a Letter
Enter your letter in the form below, or upload a handwritten letter using the image upload button. You can even add a photo to help put a face to your kind words.
We Handle Delivery
Skip the stamps! After you click the send button below, we’ll deliver your letter to our review team. Each letter is screened for safety and security before sending to our seniors.
Stay Connected
Enter your email or mailing address below to keep in touch with your pen pal.
Who will get my letter?
Home Instead® partners with seniors and organizations who support seniors to distribute letters to older adults. The identity of the senior you are writing to will be revealed only if you request a response letter and the senior chooses to respond with his or her name.
Will a senior write back to me?
It’s not a guarantee, but if you provide your mailing or email address in the submission form below, the senior recipient has the option to respond.
What should I write about?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Hobbies you enjoy
- Favorite movies, books or interests
- A positive story
- Upcoming plans for the weekend
- Ask the senior to share a story, fact or opinion with you
What should I not write about?
Sharing safely is important. Examples of what not to share or solicit include, but are not limited to:
- Personal information, like your full name or social security number
- Financial information, like bank account or credit card numbers
- When you will be out of town, especially if you shared your address to request a response letter
- Passwords to your Internet accounts
Is my personal information safe?
Absolutely. The submission form only requires your first name, e-mail address and message. Any additional information you share is at your discretion. For more information about how we use the data you provide, please review our Privacy Policy and our site’s Terms of Use.
Is it safe to meet up in person?
We recommend keeping your relationship on paper or online for the safety of you and the senior.
Can I write more than one letter?
Of course! You may complete the “Write Your Letter” form up to five times. Each letter you submit will be sent to a different senior. You can also invite others to join in on the fun! If you’re submitting letters in bulk on behalf of a group, you can also submit by mail or email.
Email to: [email protected]
Mail to:
Home Instead Senior Care
c/o Erin Albers
13323 California Street
Omaha, NE 68154
Is there a mailing address I can send letter(s) to?
Yes. If you prefer to mail a physical letter, please send it to the address noted above.
How can I submit multiple letters?
You can fill out our “Write Your Letter” form as many times as you’d like. If you’re submitting letters on behalf of a large group, you can email or mail letters to the contact information listed above.
Can my children participate?
You must be 13-years-old or older to submit a letter. However, we do encourage parents and guardians to involve children in the letter writing experience. Your child can help you write a letter or create a drawing that can be uploaded along with a parent or guardian’s letter.
When will my letter be delivered?
Your letter will most likely be delivered within 1-4 weeks after it has been submitted. Delivery time varies based on the review team’s availability to screen letters and the quantity of letters received within a certain timeframe.
Is this program free to participate?
Yes, this program is 100% free to you and to seniors! We also do not allow any solicitation for care or money through this program.
I’m a senior myself. Can I request to receive a letter?
Sure thing! If you are 65+ years old, please send an email to [email protected] to request a letter. You can also get involved by submitting your own letter in the form above and requesting a response.
Can I nominate a senior I know to receive a letter?
Yes! Reach out to [email protected] to learn more about how to nominate a senior to receive a letter.