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.
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
This program serving the community is funded by the following:
Friendship Line
Center for Elder Suicide Prevention and Grief Services
📺 Meet Zinnia TV—“Netflix for dementia.”
Traditional TV can overwhelm or confuse those living with dementia. Zinnia TV changes that with calming visuals, familiar themes, and slower pacing—bringing comfort and connection to daily care.
At Institute on Aging, we champion tools like Zinnia TV that reflect our Companioa philosophy: creating meaningful, person-centered support for families.
Discover how dementia-friendly media can help your loved one. Click the link in our bio to read more!
#DementiaCare #Companioa #AlzheimersSupport #IOACares
The dementia journey is never easy—but it’s far from joyless.
Even in the face of memory loss, many families discover new ways to connect, laugh, and share meaningful moments.
With compassionate support and creative care, life continues—just differently.
đź’¬ Want to learn how? Explore caregiver tips and support by clicking the link in our bio!
#DementiaSupport #AlzheimersAwareness #CaregiverSupport #IOACares
Loneliness can affect health as deeply as any illness.
Institute on Aging’s 24/7 Friendship Line offers compassionate support for older adults—any time, any reason.
đź“ž 888.670.1360
#FriendshipLine #MentalHealth #IOACares
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
