Friendship Line

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or depressed? Give the Friendship Line a call – because sometimes we all need a friend.

888.670.1360

The Friendship Line is California’s largest warm line, and has never gone unanswered since it was founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore. Dr. Arbore’s observation that “connection to others binds us to life” led him to establish the Friendship Line, which provides phone calls that offer emotional support and friendly conversation.

Institute on Aging’s staff and volunteers respond to more than 11,000 inbound and outbound calls per month. The nationally-known Friendship Line is a signature program of Institute on Aging’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief-Related Services, and is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.

Call us Toll-Free in California: 888.670.1360

In addition to English, the Friendship Line is also available in multiple languages:

Spanish: 888.571.0411 – click here for a Friendship Line flyer in Spanish

Cantonese: 888.670.2504 – click here for a Friendship Line flyer in Cantonese

Mandarin: 888.670.2504 – click here for a Friendship Line flyer in Mandarin

Tagalog: 888.570.0867 – click here for a Friendship Line flyer in Tagalog

Vietnamese: 888.670.1361 – click here for a Friendship Line flyer in Vietnamese

Korean: 888.560.7684 – click here for a Friendship Line flyer in Korean

Russian: 888.560.7360 – click here for a Friendship Line flyer in Russian

For Volunteer or Intern Opportunities, contact Aleks Bartlett at abartlett@ioaging.org

This program serving the community is funded by the following:

  • The California Department of Aging

  • City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services

Program Services

Friendship Line

  • Emotional support in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean and Russian
  • Specialized support for adults ages 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers

Center for Elder Suicide Prevention and Grief Services

  • Virtual grief and bereavement support groups

Related Resources

Talking to a loved one about in-home care can be emotional—especially if they feel resistant or unsure.

In this Compassionate Care Tips video, Reed and Alex share ways to ease that conversation:

✔️ Listen and validate their concerns
✔️ Use gentler language—“helper” or “assistant” instead of “caregiver”
✔️ Reframe the need: “ I could really use the extra support”

You’re not alone in this. The right words—and the right care—can make all the difference.

Learn more by clicking the link in our bio!

#CaregiverSupport #HomeCareTips #DementiaCare #CompassionateCareTips #IOACares #AgingWithDignity
Choosing home care is about more than services—it’s about connection.

At Institute on Aging Home Care, we believe that finding the right caregiver match is just as important as choosing the right type of care. It’s about trust, comfort, and care that feels personal.

💙 Learn how to find the right fit for your family. Click the link in our bio to read more! 

#HomeCareSupport #CaregiverMatching #AgingWithDignity #IOAHomeCare #IOACares
No two aging journeys look the same—your care plan shouldn't either.

At Institute on Aging, we offer personalized care coordination for everything from daily tasks to memory support and advanced needs.

Call IOA CONNECT at 415-750-4111 or learn more by clicking the link in our bio! 

#AgingSupport #PersonalizedCare #AgingAtHome #IOACares #DementiaCare #AlzheimersSupport
“The golden years aren’t always golden.”

After 60 years of marriage, Gary faced one of life’s hardest chapters—his wife’s dementia diagnosis. But he found hope, patience, and support through Institute on Aging’s Caregiver Coaching.

💙 Hear Gary’s story—and remember, you don’t have to face this alone.

Read the full blog by clicking the link in our bio! 

#CaregiverSupport #DementiaCare #Companioa #AlzheimersSupport #IOACares #AgingWithDignity #YouAreNotAlone