Care home group asks public to 'Adopt a Grandparent' to combat loneliness

Care home group CHD Living is looking to match up its elderly residents with pretend families living nearby as part of its innovative ‘Adopt a grandparent’ project.

Designed to combat loneliness amongst its elderly residents, the ‘Adopt a Grandparent’ challenge will see care home residents from its 12 Surrey and South London-based care homes meet with local children and adults who may not have or see grandparents of their own.

In the spirit of fostering intergenerational relationships and making its residents a little happier too, the care home owner is inviting anyone wishing to 'adopt' to apply via CHD Living’s website.

Shaleeza Ladak, head of hospitality and communications at CHD Living said: “Our mission with the Adopt a Grandparent programme is to promote intergenerational communication and relationships, which are so valuable but sadly dwindling in today’s society.

“We hope that the scheme will help to provide support to our elderly residents whilst also rewarding children and adults with new friendships and role models that they might not otherwise have. We’re really excited to start making matches and to see how the relationships develop.”

Bearing in mind that any 'grandchildren' under the age of 16 will need parental permission to sign up, applicants are also asked to give details about their interests and hobbies, and a reason why they would like to be involved in the project.

Details about hobbies and interests will then be used to match ‘grandchildren’ with an elderly care home resident nearby. Once matched, the ‘adopting families’ will be encouraged to call and visit their ‘grandparent’ regularly.

The physical, mental and emotional benefits of intergenerational relationships have been researched, with studies showing that these types of relationships are mutually beneficial.

Children who participate in activities with older adults tend to have better reading abilities, communication and problem-solving skills, and a more positive attitude toward community service.

For older people who interact with children and younger adults, studies show that they tend to burn more calories, experience fewer falls and perform better on memory tests than their peers.

Additionally, older adults with dementia and other cognitive impairments experience more positive effects during interactions with children than they do during other types of activities.

With Christmas quickly approaching, the care home group is keenly aware of the impact an absence of family can have on someone. The care home group hopes the scheme will benefit residents by providing them with companionship at a time of life that can often feel lonely and isolated, particularly during the winter months.

To adopt a grandparent visit the CHD Living website www.chdliving.co.uk/adopt-grandparent.

click here for more details or to contact CHD Living Ltd