Adopt a Grandparent: Bringing generations together in care homes

The Adopt a Grandparent initiative is a simple but powerful idea: connecting older people, particularly those living in care homes, with volunteers who can offer companionship, conversation and a sense of connection. Its aim is to reduce loneliness and build meaningful relationships across the generations.

As awareness of social isolation grows, more families and communities are exploring ways to support older loved ones. This guide explains what the Adopt a Grandparent initiative is, how it works, and how you can get involved.

At a glance

Purpose of the initiative: Adopt a Grandparent connects volunteers with older people in care homes to reduce loneliness and build meaningful intergenerational relationships.

How it works: Volunteers are matched with residents based on shared interests and commit to regular video calls, supported by training and safeguarding checks.

Why it matters: Social isolation is common in care homes, with many residents receiving no visitors; even small, regular interactions can significantly improve emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Mutual benefits: Older people gain companionship, improved mood, and a sense of purpose, while volunteers develop relationships, learn from older generations, and give back to their community.

What is the Adopt a Grandparent initiative?

Adopt a Grandparent programmes match volunteers with older people who may not have regular visitors or who would benefit from additional companionship.

Around 467 care homes have joined the scheme which has been running since the beginning of 2019. Volunteers are from all walks of life and all ages and include doctors, finance directors, electricians, nurses and lawyers.

The initiative works by connecting volunteers with older people experiencing loneliness through video calls.

Volunteers apply to join the scheme, share their interests and availability. After a vetting process, they are matched with an older person with similar interests, helping to build on their relationship over time.

Why initiatives like this matter

Loneliness is an ongoing concern in UK care homes. Even with the support of care teams and regular activities, some residents can go long periods without meaningful interaction. According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, up to 60% of residents receive no visitors at all, showing how common this experience can be. Regular interaction, even in small amounts, can make a huge difference to people.

Conversations, shared hobbies, or simply having someone who listens can help support emotional wellbeing and create a sense of belonging.

For families, knowing that a loved one has additional social support can offer reassurance, especially if they are not able to visit as often as they would like.

‘It’s the highlight of my week’

David Annand, Head of Operations & Fundraising at Adopt A Grandparent, says: “At Adopt a Grandparent, care home residents are matched with volunteers of all ages for regular video calls. These conversations are informal and unscripted, focused on building genuine connection over time.

Many of these relationships grow naturally. What starts as a simple conversation can become something residents look forward to each week, helping to build confidence and reduce feelings of isolation.

The programme began in 2019 and has since grown to include hundreds of volunteers and care homes across the UK.

“It’s free to join, takes just 30 minutes a week, and it changes lives. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard, “It’s the highlight of my week.”

How the programme works

The process for the Adopt a Grandparent scheme is:

• Sign-up and matching: Volunteers register and are matched with an older person based on their interests, availability, and preferences.
• Regular contact: Secure video calls through a monitored platform, designed to support safe and comfortable virtual interactions
• Ongoing support: Ongoing volunteer training, safeguarding checks, and support throughout the process

Care homes often play an active role, helping to coordinate visits and ensure that residents feel comfortable and supported.

Benefits for older people

Taking part in an Adopt a Grandparent initiative can offer several benefits:

• Increased social interaction
• A renewed sense of purpose and routine
• Opportunities to share their stories, skills, and experiences
• Improved mood and emotional wellbeing

Even if they are short video calls, as long as it is done on a regular basis, it can help reduce feelings of isolation.

Benefits for volunteers

The experience is equally rewarding for volunteers. Many people value the opportunity to:

• Build meaningful relationships
• Learn from older generations
• Give back to their community
• Develop communication and empathy skills

For younger volunteers, in particular, it can be a chance to look at life from a different perspective and build relationships that may not otherwise happen.

Peter and Jing bonded over American football

Peter Seaward aged 92, a resident at Silvermere Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare in Cobham, Surrey, found volunteer Jing Hu shared his passion for American football.

Matched through Adopt a Grandparent, the pair have been speaking regularly since October 2025, with more than 10 calls so far.

Their weekly video calls, lasting around 40 to 45 minutes, have quickly become a highlight for both. One of the more unexpected outcomes has been a renewed interest in the NFL. Jing, a dedicated New England Patriots fan, introduced the topic early on, and it soon became a shared point of enthusiasm in their conversations.

Peter said: “It’s something I used to follow years ago.”

He added: “Talking to Jing brought it all back. I’ve started keeping track again, just so I can chat with her about it!”

Will Hammond, Client Liaison Manager at Silvermere Care Home, called their friendship “a brilliant example of what Adopt a Grandparent can offer” and added: “Watching this bond grow has been truly heartwarming.”

How to get involved

If you are interested in joining the Adopt a Grandparent initiative, there are a few simple steps to start:

1. Check the requirements, which may include background checks
2. Apply through the organisation’s website
3. Complete any introductory training

If you have a family member in a care home, you can also ask the provider whether they run or partner with similar schemes.

Things to consider

Before taking part, it is helpful to think about the level of commitment you can realistically offer. Consistency is often more important than frequency, as regular contact does help build trust.

It is also important to be open-minded and patient when you begin the relationship.. Every person is different, and connections may take time to develop.

A small step that can make a big difference

The Adopt a Grandparent initiative is a reminder that even small gestures can make a real difference. By bringing people together, it helps older people feel noticed, listened to, and valued.

If you’re thinking about volunteering or you work for a care home and want to get involved with the initiative, you can find out more information at Adopt a Grandparent.

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