Thanks to the incredible work of the Adopt A Grandparent charity, an inspiring friendship has flourished across the Atlantic, bridging 3,500 miles between Nuneaton and Ontario.
Ann Lucas, 83, a resident of Acorn Lodge Care Home, in Nuneaton, since 2023 and Angela Martin, 47, who lives in Canada, have forged a unique connection that transcends borders and generations.
Despite having never meet in person, the pair talk weekly through video calls, proving that distance is no barrier to meaningful relationships.
The Adopt a Grandparent initiative, a beacon of hope aimed at combating loneliness among care home residents, facilitated their heartwarming connection.
According to Age UK, 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely.
In a report from Gov.uk, 200,000 older people in the UK hadn’t had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month.
Ann, who is not married and has lost her three sisters, has found comfort through technology by forming a cherished relationship with Angela and her family.
Since July, Ann and Angela have been regularly chatting. Originally from London, Ann has a deep affection for Canada, as her late sister Barbara once lived there.
“Talking with Angela has been truly wonderful. We got on immediately, and it feels like I’ve known her forever,” Ann shared. “Her support has been immense, and I’m deeply grateful to her and the Adopt A Grandparent charity.”
Angela’s husband and children often join the calls to speak with Ann, sharing photos and letters from Canada.
This inspired Ann to visit her local library to learn more about Canada, and she is now preparing a letter filled with stories and family photos to share in return from Nuneaton.
Angela said she was attracted to volunteering with the charity after learning that many older people do not have regular contact with friends or family members.
She said, “I thought that was heartbreaking.”
Angela continued, “Meeting Ann has exceeded our expectations! We love hearing her stories and perspectives. Her wisdom and positivity have enriched our lives.”
Julia Reeves, Well-Being Co-ordinator at Acorn Lodge Care Home, who played a crucial role in facilitating Ann’s involvement with the charity, added, “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, which has greatly enriched Ann’s social life and rekindled many joyful memories and laughter.”
Shaleeza Hasham, Founder of Adopt A Grandparent, added, “Ann and Angela’s friendship embodies our mission to create lasting connections and combat loneliness. It’s lovely to see their bond grow despite the distance.”
Acorn Lodge Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare, offers high-quality dementia, residential, and respite care. Its amenities include a hair salon, landscaped gardens, and lounges.
About Adopt A Grandparent Charity
- More information on the charity can be found here: Adopt a Grandparent
- 200,000 older people hadn’t had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month. *Stats from a UK Gov report.
- Loneliness places individuals at a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia, alongside increasing your risk of death by 26%.
bout Avery Healthcare and Acorn Lodge Care Home
- To contact Acorn Lodge Care Home, call 024 7664 2680.
- Acorn Lodge Care Home offers dementia, respite, and residential care.
- Avery Healthcare Group is a national care home provider with a current portfolio of 98 care homes nationwide, with more new developments in build, plus four independent living retirement communities.
- Headquartered in Northampton, employing nearly 10,000 people and, since 2022, jointly owned by Reuben Brothers and Welltower Inc, Avery Healthcare is currently the UK’s fifth largest care provider.
- Avery’s philosophy is to give each resident a home and lifestyle that supports their need for care and safety, along with their cherished goals and aspirations. Residents’ well-being and quality of life are more than just the care they receive, but the relationships they develop, their surroundings, interests, and overall stimulation level. Holistic programmes promote a sense of well-being for all and enable residents to live in a safe and supportive environment, allowing them to flourish, make new friends, maintain contact with their local communities and live a life of possibility.
- In March 2023, Avery was awarded Carehome.co.uk’s Top 20 Rated Care Home Groups in the UK for the seventh year in a row. In July 2023, it received recognition from Care Home Management at The Care Home Awards, winning the Best for Nutrition, Food and Dining category for the second consecutive year.
- More information on Avery Healthcare can be found here: www.averyhealthcare.co.uk