At a time when loneliness among older adults continues to be a growing concern, the heartwarming story of Ann Lucas, 83, and Angela Martin, 47, is a shining example of how technology can bring people together, even across oceans.
Thanks to the Adopt A Grandparent charity, these two women, separated by 3,500 miles, have formed a deep friendship that transcends both age and distance.
Ann, a resident of Acorn Lodge Care Home in Nuneaton, has been living at the home since 2023.
Through the Adopt A Grandparent initiative, she was introduced to Angela, a Canadian volunteer living in Ontario. Despite having never met in person, the pair talk weekly via video calls, proving that you don’t need to be in the same room to feel connected.
For Ann, who is not married and has lost her three sisters, the regular chats with Angela have provided her with immense comfort. “Talking with Angela has been truly wonderful,” Ann says. “We got on immediately, and it feels like I’ve known her forever. Her support has been incredible, and I’m deeply grateful to her and the Adopt A Grandparent charity.”
Care home activity coordinators will no doubt appreciate how this story highlights the power of meaningful relationships in reducing feelings of loneliness among residents. The statistics on loneliness among older adults are staggering. Age UK reports that 1.4 million older people in the UK often feel lonely, and a government report reveals that 200,000 older people in the UK hadn’t had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month.
The impact of the connection between Ann and Angela goes beyond just conversation. Angela’s husband and children often join their video calls, sharing stories and family photos from Canada, which inspired Ann to visit her local library to learn more about the country. Now, Ann is preparing a letter filled with her own stories and family photos to send to Angela.
This example is a wonderful reminder of how activity coordinators can support residents' social lives by tapping into virtual connections. Whether it's through initiatives like Adopt A Grandparent or similar programs, the use of technology can open up new avenues for companionship and joy, even for those with limited mobility.
Julia Reeves, Wellbeing Coordinator at Acorn Lodge, played a key role in facilitating Ann’s involvement with the Adopt A Grandparent charity and has seen the benefits firsthand. “It’s been so lovely to see the friendship between Ann and Angela. Angela’s positive and friendly nature has encouraged Ann to share her life stories, rekindling many joyful memories and laughter.”
As an activity coordinator, you play a vital role in fostering these types of connections, whether within the care home or with the wider world. Encouraging residents to participate in virtual initiatives, like Ann and Angela’s, can have a transformative impact on their wellbeing.
If you’re looking for ideas to combat loneliness among your residents, why not explore similar online initiatives? As this story shows, friendships can blossom, even across the miles.
Let’s work together to keep building connections, beating loneliness and bringing smiles to the faces of those in our care.
Comments