Hazelgrove Court Care Home Joins Adopt A Grandparent Programme

Hazelgrove Court Care Home has joined the Adopt A Grandparent (AAG) programme, an initiative designed to combat loneliness and foster meaningful connections between care home residents and dedicated volunteers.

The programme, which has seen incredible success across the UK, is already making a significant impact at Hazelgrove Court, with residents enthusiastically embracing the opportunity to form new friendships.

The Adopt A Grandparent charity, pairs residents with volunteers who share similar interests, providing an invaluable opportunity for companionship, shared experiences, and emotional support. Through a secure platform, participants engage in regular video and audio calls, allowing them to connect on a personal level despite physical distance. With thousands of volunteers globally, AAG’s mission is to reduce feelings of isolation among older adults, enhancing their quality of life through consistent interactions.

Sharon Lewis, Activities Lead at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, first discovered the Adopt A Grandparent programme through a recommendation. After completing the AAG webinar training, she was eager to introduce the initiative to residents.

“I had not heard of the Adopt A Grandparent programme until I received an email from our customer relations officer asking us to look into it,” Sharon shared. “After completing the webinar training, I was really intrigued by the idea of residents being matched with adult volunteers who could share their interests and experiences. I spoke with Joyce and Judith, two residents I knew would be keen to join, and signed them up immediately.”

Joyce, one of the first residents to join, has been paired with Emma, a volunteer who shares her love of wildlife. “Joyce was ecstatic when she found out that Emma had interviewed one of her favourite people, David Attenborough,” Sharon explained. “Although they have only had two calls so far, it already feels as though they have known each other for years.”

Judith, another resident, is eagerly awaiting her first call with her match, Ellan, scheduled for 26th August. “Judith is thrilled to be able to practice her sign language with Ellan, as she is currently learning it herself,” Sharon added. The excitement surrounding the programme has already inspired two more residents, Joan and Trevor, to sign up, with the pair eagerly awaiting their matches.

The positive feedback from residents, staff, and family members has been overwhelming. “I think by participating in the scheme, it gives the residents something positive to focus on, which can only be beneficial for their wellbeing – a major factor for those living in a care home,” Sharon noted. “We are excited to enrol more of our residents in the future.”

Photo Collage:
Joan Johnson 91 – top left
Trevor Turner 88 – top right
Joyce Wooffindin 83 – bottom left
Judith Pearson 79 – bottom right