[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]October 3, 2019

Care home group CHD Living is launching a new ‘Adopt a Grandparent’ campaign to coincide with National Grandparents Day on Sunday, 6th October 2019.

CHD Living pair elderly residents from across their 12 Surrey and South London based care homes with local children and adults who may not have or see grandparents of their own, but who appreciate the value and importance of maintaining intergenerational relationships.

From Sunday, 6th October 2019, anyone wishing to get involved in the Adopt a Grandparent scheme will be able to apply via CHD Living’s official website – www.chdliving.co.uk . Applicants will be asked to provide information on their interests, hobbies, and details of why they would like to be involved in the programme. This information will then be used to match them with a suitable, nearby elderly resident. Once matched, participants will be encouraged to call and/or visit the resident that they are paired with regularly.

The physical, mental and emotional benefits of intergenerational relationships are widely acknowledged, 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.

Shaleeza Ladak, head of hospitality and communications at CHD Living said that, as well as recognising and honouring the value of the elderly in society, the scheme would benefit residents by providing them with companionship at a time of life that can often feel lonely and isolated, particularly during the winter months.

“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,” said Shaleeza.

“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.”[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”31338″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1570087917235{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1536940576920{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] ')} [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]