Keeping an elderly relative company when you live far away
Can't visit your mother or grandfather as often as you'd like? On Rent a BFF you can book a verified person who lives near them for a moment of company: a coffee, a walk, a game of cards. Here is how it works, and the rules that are not up for debate.
The rules, for everyone
- The booking is made and paid for by an adult relative (child, grandchild, nephew…), from their own account.
- The elderly person agrees to the visit: they were asked beforehand.
- The meeting takes place in a public place (park, café, tea room) or in the care home where the person lives, during visiting hours, and the family has told the staff.
- Never at the person's home.
- The BFF keeps them company: conversation, a walk, a game, reading. No care, no help with washing, dressing or eating, no medication.
- The BFF never handles the person's money, bank card or papers, and accepts no gifts.
How it works
Talk to your relative first. Then pick a BFF near them and send a request with the place (a café, a park, or the care home during visiting hours) and the time. If the BFF accepts, you pay a 15% booking fee online; the BFF's rate is paid on the spot, directly to them. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, fee refunded. Remember to tell the staff if the visit takes place in the care home. Read also: renting a friend against loneliness and safety on Rent a BFF.
What the BFF does not do
For washing, meals, medication or paperwork, contact a home help service: that is not Rent a BFF.
Who can book a visit to an elderly person?
An adult relative of the person (child, grandchild, nephew…), from their own account. The elderly person must agree to the visit.
Where does the visit take place?
In a public place such as a park, a café or a tea room, or in the care home where the person lives, during visiting hours, after telling the staff. Never at their home.
Can the BFF help with meals, washing or paperwork?
No. The BFF only keeps them company. For care, meals, medication or paperwork, you need a home help service.
A moment of company for someone you love?
Browse the profiles published near them and send your request, with no commitment.