Firm friendships have been forged at HC-One homes after residents have been reunited and introduced to new people as part of an initiative to reduce social isolation and encourage companionship.
A resident at HC-One’s Meadowbank care home in Bolton had an emotional reunion with a life-long friend he hadn’t seen in 20 years, whilst Daisy Nook residents in Ashton visited Holme Lea home in Stalybridge for a chat.
Meadowbank’s Gordon received a letter from long-lost friend Nelly, asking if he could visit her in her care home in Radcliffe. The pair had first met 65 years ago when Gordon was serving in the army and spent a lot of time together over the years alongside Gordon’s wife.
Staff at Meadowbank could see how overwhelmed Gordon was after receiving the letter and arranged with Nelly’s care home to bring the two together for a reunion.
Kelly Champkin, Home Manager said: “We set out early to get to the home and Gordon was so excited it brought tears to his eyes. When we got there he was so emotional and happy and Nelly was joking with him and said ‘you’re not the man I remember with all the grey hair. It was delightful to see the joy the reunion put on both of their faces.”
The friends sat together for a good while over a cup of tea, reminiscing about the past and all the things they had done together, before leaving with a big hug and a kiss, with the two homes set to keep in contact and arrange for regular catch-ups between the pair.
Terry and Stan meanwhile from Daisy Nook met Frank at Holme Lea for an afternoon of tea and a game of balloon tennis. The trio discussed Frank’s time within the Navy, as well as local places they had all been to, establishing they had friends in common that they had met over the years.
Holme Lea residents will be heading to Daisy Nook soon for the day to meet up again and enjoy a walk to nearby Stamford Park, keeping in touch by penpalling in the meantime.
HC-One is keen to promote the benefits of friendship between residents, with positive relationships proven to increase enjoyment of life and harmony within the home whilst building mutual trust.