Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we specifically create opportunities for university students who want to make a meaningful impact in their community. This focus allows us to provide consistent, reliable companionship while supporting students with valuable experience and flexible work. If you're not currently a university student but are passionate about our mission, we encourage you to email us at info@linkedhearts.ca to discuss potential future opportunities.

Your safety and the safety of our seniors is our top priority. All Pals complete a thorough screening process that includes government-issued ID verification, valid student email confirmation, and potentially reference checks. This multi-step process ensures we maintain the highest standards of trust and security for everyone involved.

We create meaningful connections by carefully matching Pals and seniors based on shared interests, location proximity, availability, language preferences, and personality compatibility. Our detailed sign-up questionnaire helps us understand what makes each person unique, allowing us to foster genuine friendships rather than just scheduling visits.

All Pals receive comprehensive training in effective communication with seniors, planning engaging activities, understanding boundaries and safety protocols, and recognizing when to seek additional support. We equip our Pals with the skills and confidence to create comfortable, enjoyable experiences for both themselves and the seniors they visit.

We understand that students have busy schedules. We ask for a minimum commitment of one hour per week to ensure consistency for our seniors, but beyond that, we work with your availability. Whether you can commit to weekly visits or prefer a more flexible schedule, we'll find the right fit for you.

Visits are tailored to each senior's interests and energy level! Activities can include conversations and storytelling, board games and cards, arts and crafts, gentle walks, listening to music, reading together, technology assistance, and much more. For a complete list of activity ideas, visit our Activities section on the About page.

We want every connection to be meaningful and comfortable. If for any reason the match doesn't feel right, you can absolutely request a different Pal. Just contact us, and we'll work quickly to find you a better match – no questions asked. Our goal is genuine connection, and sometimes that takes trying a different combination.

Visits typically occur wherever the senior feels most comfortable – whether that's their private home, senior living facility, hospital room, or community locations like nearby parks or cafes. We prioritize the senior's comfort and safety above all else, and we're flexible about visit locations as long as they're safe and appropriate for meaningful interaction.

Safety is our foundation. All Pals undergo thorough background checks, receive comprehensive training, and follow strict safety protocols. We maintain emergency contact information for all participants, conduct regular check-ins, and have clear procedures for handling any concerns. We're committed to creating a secure environment for meaningful connections to flourish.

We're currently focused on serving the Greater Toronto Area as we build and refine our service model. As we grow, we hope to expand to more communities. If you're outside the GTA but interested in our service, please email us – we're keeping a list of interested communities for future expansion.

Visits are typically scheduled between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, seven days a week. However, specific visit times are flexible and depend entirely on the mutual availability of the senior and their matched Pal. We work around everyone's schedules to find convenient times that work for both parties.

We understand that plans change. To cancel or reschedule a visit, please email us at info@linkedhearts.ca at least 48 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations are necessary to free up the Pal's availability for other seniors. We appreciate your consideration in communicating schedule changes promptly.

LinkedHearts specializes exclusively in creating genuine friendships and companionship. Unlike services that combine companionship with medical care or errand-running, we focus entirely on training Pals to create fun, engaging sessions built around shared interests. We're not just providing a service – we're building meaningful, friendship-based connections that combat loneliness through consistent, personalized companionship.

Absolutely! Gifted visits are a wonderful way to show you care. To arrange a gift of companionship, please email us at info@linkedhearts.ca with the recipient's information and your gifting preferences. We'll help you create a meaningful gift that brings joy and connection to your loved one.

After you complete the sign-up form, we'll review your information and coordinate with both you and your matched Pal to confirm a date and time for your first visit. Once scheduled, we'll send you a secure payment link where you can safely process your payment using credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay through our Stripe payment system.