How to Send Valentine’s Cards to a Nursing Home or Other Seniors in Need

“To love a person is to see all of their magic, and to remind them of it when they have forgotten.” - Unknown

For many, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romantic love. It’s a time to come together with your spouse or significant other and reflect on everything that makes life and your relationship so special.

Sadly, for many seniors, the holiday can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and separation. That’s especially true for those living far away from loved ones or residing in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

Research shows that social isolation can increase the risk of physical and mental health problems. Conversely, seniors who stay connected with others experience noticeable benefits, including less anxiety and improved self-esteem.  

This year, we’re encouraging all of our readers to do something nice on Valentine’s Day. Keep reading to learn more about 5 nonprofits that can help you connect with a senior in need.

1) Love For Our Elders. America is facing a loneliness epidemic, but Jacob Cramer’s organization, “Love For Our Elders,” is helping fix that. Jacob founded Love For Our Elders in 2013 after the death of his grandfather. 

Throughout high school, Jacob volunteered at a local senior living community. Through conversations with residents, he realized few received regular visitors, a revelation that inspired his mission to combat isolation. To get partnered with a senior, click here. Then, follow the instructions on the website.

No time to send a Valentine’s Day message? That’s okay. You’ve got another opportunity coming up –– February 26 is Letter to an Elder Day.

2) Cupid Crew. Cupid Crew is a collaboration between Wish of a Lifetime (AARP) and Girl Scouts of the USA. It’s a volunteer effort dedicated to safely creating and delivering “heartfelt cards to older adults who are socially isolated.” 

Creating your own card is free. Click here and fill out your contact information. Then, download your Cupid Crew Valentine’s Day Card. Personalize it with a quote or message, address it to the senior in your life, and drop it in the mailbox. It’s that easy!

If you're able, Wish of a Lifetime also accepts donations to reach and support isolated seniors all year long.

3) Letters of Love to Seniors.  Letters of Love to Seniors is a program based out of Sammamish, Washington. Volunteers collect letters and cards and deliver them to senior living centers in the area. Submissions must adhere to specific guidelines, including:

• Letters must be handwritten (no print)

• Messages must be encouraging, hopeful, and positive

• Authors must avoid mentioning religion or religious language, as recipients are diverse

To learn more about the program, and to access the organization’s contact information, please click here.

4) From The Heart (Facebook Community).  From The Heart is a Facebook community dedicated to “spreading good cheer to the elderly through cards of all types, greeting, encouragement, birthday, holiday, etc.” The group is private, but as long as you agree to the terms, you’ll gain entrance. Once you join the community, you’re paired with a senior in need.

Forget Me Not (Facebook Community). Forget Me Not is run by the same people as From The Heart. The only difference is that Forget Me Not sends cards, messages, and care packages to senior homes in the U.S.

Attention caregivers: If your care recipient is aged 60 or older and you think they would benefit from letters or cards, you can sign them up for either community. Message From The Heart’s moderator with your loved one’s name and address. The volunteers will take care of the rest.

5) Letters Against Isolation. Letters Against Isolation was founded by two teenage sisters during the height of the COVID 19 pandemic. Through interactions with their grandparents, the girls realized many seniors were experiencing intense loneliness.

Once you sign up, you’re sent a spreadsheet with a list of care homes the organization serves. You can select one (or more) residents to write to. Letters of Isolation is unique in that it serves seniors all over the world, from Australia to Israel. Click here to sign up.

By sending a card or letter to a senior on Valentine’s Day, you can lift their spirits and make the holiday one to remember. It doesn’t take much time and can brighten someone’s day who really needs it.