Elderly woman sitting in chair at home happily reads written letter

Become a Pen Pal 

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.

Write a Letter Now

How it Works

Our pen pal program connects you with a senior to spread joy and help prevent senior social isolation and loneliness. Read our FAQs for more details.

  1. Write a Letter

    Enter your letter in the form below. You can even add a photo to help put a face to your kind words.

  2. We Handle Delivery

    Skip the stamps! After you click the submit button below, we’ll deliver your letter to our review team. Each letter is screened for safety and security before sending to a senior.

  3. Stay Connected

    Enter your email or mailing address below to keep in touch with your pen pal.

Get Started

Write Your 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.

View sample letter

Pick a letter border:

Please Enter your text.

Upload an Image (Optional)

JPEG or PNG. Maximum size 2MB. Horizontal photos recommended.

Please upload your image.
Enter your first name only.

By entering your email address, you acknowledge and agree that your email address my be shared with a senior and the senior has the option to respond and write you back. We will not keep your email address for longer than is necessary. For further information, read the Privacy Policy.

Please select How do you want to receive a response:

Response letters are optional for seniors and cannot be guaranteed. We recommend requesting a response by mail to increase the likelihood a senior will send a return letter.

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A: You have a number of options when it comes to paying for senior care. Some options to cover this cost might include:

  • Private pay
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Income-based subsidies and tax credits
  • Veterans Affairs of Canada assistance
  • HFC Dementia Home Care Grant

A: Publicly funded healthcare insured by the Canada Health Act generally will not typically pay for senior home care. However, you may be eligible for a variety of subsidized senior support services or tax relief credits. We suggest working with your insurance company and provincial agency to determine what care could be covered for you or your loved one.

A: The answer depends on the individual policy. Talk to the insurance company or agent to find out if the LTC policy covers home care – and, if so, what types of services will be reimbursed.

A: The Veterans Independence Program provides annual funding for home care to qualifying military service veterans. Speak with your local VAC or Service Canada office to find out what financial support programs you or your loved one may qualify for. Your local Home Instead office may also be able to help answer your assistance questions.

A: Absolutely not. While Home Instead is a private home care provider, you can still use your government-funded services in conjunction with ours.

A: Many families want to see their loved ones age with independence and dignity in the family home – or whatever setting the senior prefers. Adult children and grandchildren can contribute funds in equal shares or proportionally to support their family member’s needs. Before initiating this type of plan, you might consider seeking the counsel of an attorney for certain things to consider such as cash gifting regulations.

A: Yes! Home Instead partners with HFC® to administer grants for deserving families providing care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. These grants cover the full cost of Home Instead services for a period of time. Learn more and apply for a Dementia Home Care Grant.