How matching works
Every match at Abuelos & Co. starts with people, not an algorithm. First you apply — a five-minute form about your family, your neighbourhood, and what you're hoping for. Then we interview both sides in person: we get to know your family, and separately we sit down with the abuelo. Every senior completes an in-person interview, provides two references, and passes a background check. When we see a good fit, we arrange a supervised trial visit — free, no commitment — so both sides can meet before anything is final. If it clicks, weekly visits begin: about two hours a week, at a time that suits you. We stay in touch throughout, and either side can pause or step back with two weeks' notice.
Four steps, start to sofa
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You apply
A five-minute form. Who is in your household, which afternoon suits you, and what you would love an abuelo around for.
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We interview both sides
We sit down with your family and with the senior separately. References checked, backgrounds vetted, and a proper conversation about what each of you is hoping for.
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A supervised trial visit
The first afternoon happens with one of our coordinators in the room. No pressure, no performance — just tea, introductions, and a card game that usually breaks the ice.
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Weekly visits begin
If everyone's keen, you settle into a standing weekly afternoon. We stay in touch, check in often, and are a phone call away if anything needs adjusting.
Meet the Abuelos
A few of the seniors currently matched or waiting for a family. First names only — we keep the rest for the introduction.
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72-76
Concha
Concha raised four kids in the same Lavapiés flat she still lives in. She taught home economics for thirty years and can turn a near-empty fridge into a three-course lunch. Her domino game is ruthless and she does not let children win on purpose.
- Speaks
- Spanish, some English
- Free
- Saturdays, flexible Wednesdays
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68-72
Manuel
Manuel was a high-school history teacher who retired early and missed having an audience. He can explain the Spanish Civil War to an eight-year-old without watering it down and makes a paella that takes exactly forty-five minutes because he has timed every step over forty years.
- Speaks
- Spanish, French
- Free
- Wednesdays, Sundays
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70-74
Rosa
Rosa ran a corner bakery for forty years and still wakes at five out of habit. She teaches children to fold empanadillas and sings them the songs her grandmother sang in the village.
- Speaks
- Spanish, English
- Free
- Tuesdays, Fridays
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74-78
Paco
Paco played rhythm guitar in a wedding band for three decades and can name every Real Madrid lineup since 1975. He is teaching the neighbourhood boys three chords and an unreasonable number of penalty-shootout anecdotes.
- Speaks
- Spanish
- Free
- Weekends
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66-70
Amparo
Amparo worked as a seamstress and writes beautiful longhand letters. She shows children how to darn a sock and write a proper thank-you note, which she considers a dying art worth saving.
- Speaks
- Spanish, Portuguese
- Free
- Mondays, Thursdays
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71-75
Julián
A retired cartographer, Julián keeps a wall of old Madrid maps and explains how the city grew. He plays a slow, patient game of chess and refuses to let anyone win by accident.
- Speaks
- Spanish, French
- Free
- Wednesdays, Saturdays
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69-73
Pilar
Pilar grows herbs on a tiny balcony and cooks a cocido that takes all morning and disappears in ten minutes. She plays a fierce hand of mus and keeps a running scoreboard on the fridge.
- Speaks
- Spanish
- Free
- Sundays
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73-77
Emilio
Emilio spent his working life at the opera house and hums arias while he stirs. He tells the plots of Verdi operas as if they were neighbourhood gossip, which, he insists, they are.
- Speaks
- Spanish, some Italian
- Free
- Tuesdays, Fridays
Ready to find yours?
The form takes five minutes. The friendship tends to last a good deal longer.
Apply for a match