Care home launches 'Adopt a Grandparent' campaign to help elderly get through isolation

Isolation is not easy. For senior members of society, this period of time can be particularly lonely, as they are deemed at ‘high-risk’ of complications brought by the novel coronavirus. To combat this, a care home in the UK is providing their residents with a little company.

CHD Living, based in Surrey, has set up an “Adopt a Grandparent” scheme, which will pair residents with volunteers who will video call them regularly, in the aim of providing mental stimulation and remote companionship. In initiative was created to “bring a sense of comfort to young people and the elderly who may not have grandparents/grandchildren of their own, with the aim to create invaluable, lifelong friendships”.

Shaleeza Hasham, the head of communications and commissioning at CHD Living, said: “The nature of care means that we’re looking after some of the most vulnerable members of society at the moment.

“It’s a worrying time and we’re taking the threat of coronavirus incredibly seriously, putting stringent processes and protocols in place to protect our residents as much as possible.

“We are however keen to keep spirits in the homes high and so have been thinking of ways that we can continue to enrich the lives of our residents whilst providing them with stimulation and companionship.”

“It made sense at this time to digitise the Adopt a Grandparent campaign and to recruit further volunteers who might like to help keep our residents company over the coming weeks. It will be a wonderful distraction for everyone involved.”

Just this month, 36 volunteers signed up.