This month’s guest blog is written by David Annand, Head of Operations and Fundraising at Adopt a Grandparent
One of the questions I’m asked most often is this:
How can someone feel lonely in a care home? It’s a fair question. Care homes are full of life. Residents, team members, visitors, activities. For many people, that sense of community is exactly what makes a care setting feel safe, supportive and the right place to be.
Care homes do an exceptional job. The compassion, dedication and sheer hard work that go into supporting residents every day are qualities I see constantly and never take for granted. Still, even in the very best environments, something can be missing.
I’ve noticed it when I’ve been invited into homes to speak to residents about Adopt a Grandparent. Often, I’m stood in front of a group, everyone gathered together in one room. On the surface, it feels like a shared moment. But at times it doesn’t quite connect. The best way I can describe it is as though there’s a pane of glass between us. We can see each other; we can hear each other; there is interaction; but there isn’t always connection. Something subtle holds it back from becoming meaningful. That isn’t a reflection of the care being delivered. It’s simply the nature of group settings. They are designed to engage many people at once, and they do that incredibly well.
Connection, however, works differently. Connection is personal. It’s the difference between being part of something, and feeling part of something. It’s knowing that someone is there specifically for you. Someone who understands your interests, your sense of humour, your memories. Someone who shows up each week not as part of a schedule, but as part of your life. This is where loneliness can exist. Not in isolation, but quietly, even when surrounded by others. Loneliness isn’t always about being alone. Sometimes, it’s about not being truly seen.
For some residents, what makes the biggest difference is not a larger room or a bigger activity. It’s a one-to-one conversation. A quieter moment. A familiar voice. Someone who shares your love of football. Someone who understands your culture or language. Someone who remembers what you said last week.
That is what Adopt a Grandparent is built around. We are a UK registered charity focused on tackling loneliness among older people, both in care homes and those receiving live-in care at home. We pair individuals with volunteers of all ages, carefully matching them based on shared interests, hobbies, culture or language. Each pair connects through weekly one-to-one video calls. Over time, those calls become something more. They become relationships.
Each call takes place on a secure, AI-supported platform designed to safeguard both the resident and the volunteer. The technology supports the experience, but the heart of it is simple. One person showing up for another, week after week.
For care homes, the programme is not about replacing what already exists. It builds on it. It adds another layer to the excellent care already being delivered, offering residents something personal and consistent that sits alongside daily life. Families often tell us the same thing. It gives them reassurance. Their loved one is not only being cared for, but is also connected, known and remembered. The programme is completely free for care homes across the UK, making it simple to introduce and easy to embed. If you have a loved one living in a care home, or you are currently exploring care options, it is worth asking one simple question: does the home offer Adopt a Grandparent? Because sometimes, it is that one relationship, that one familiar voice each week, that can change how someone experiences their day, their mood, and their sense of belonging.
To learn more, read our annual review or watch our impact video, visit: https://adoptagrandparent.org.uk/our-impact
About the Author: David Annand is the Head of Operations and Fundraising at Adopt a Grandparent.
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