We’re starting a movement!

To help the elderly feel a little less lonely. Sign up to chat with stand-in grandparents—and together, we can lift the collective spirit.

research links loneliness to health risks

Studies show significant negative effects of isolation and loneliness—especially among older adults. A recent study from the National Academy of Sciences found that social isolation has been associated with a significantly increased risk of premature mortality, including a 50% increased risk of developing dementia. And that was before the nation-wide call for everyone to stay at home. With friends and family members being urged to keep their distance—even when the lockdown is lifted—it’s time to get creative in how we combat social separation!

It goes both ways

See it as an opportunity to learn from another generation, enjoy each other’s company, and share stories.

How it works (and how you can be a part of it)

💚 Step 1.

Sign up as either a friend or a grandparent. It’s completely free.

💚 Step 2.

Answer a few questions and we’ll be in touch once we’ve found a match (and completed all the necessary safety checks).

💚 Step 3.

We’ll set up a video call for you to meet your new friend. If you hit it off, then the rest is history!

Befriend a Grandparent FAQs

💚 Who can be a FRIEND?

Anyone with access to a phone or computer, and (ideally) an internet connection. All ages welcome!

💚 Who can be a grandparent?

Are you a grandparent by blood? Or even an honorary grandparent by love? Are you feeling the absence of loved ones? If yes, then we want to help. All you need is access to a phone or computer, and (ideally) an internet connection.

💚 HOW DO I GET my RETIREMENT VILLAGE INVOLVED?

We’d love to partner with you! Simply fill in this form and we’ll be in touch to arrange a call.

💚 I don’t live in South Africa…

We’re open to participants from anywhere in the universe!

💚 I’ve answered the questions, what happens next?

Wonderful! We'll be in touch once we’ve found a match (and completed all the necessary safety checks).

💚 How do I contact my NEW FRIEND?

There is something so special about seeing a friendly face. Which is why we suggest a video call with your new friend. That said, there are other ways for you to strike up a friendship, such as a phone call or writing to each other via email (like a pen pal).

💚 What do I need to download?

Based on who we pair you with, you may need to download a free, easy-to-use application, e.g. WhatsApp or Facebook. You and your new friend can decide on this together.

💚 guidelines

How often should you stay in touch? Try setting up a call once a week or once every two weeks to begin with.

💚 conversation starters

Having conversation starters up your sleeve can transform a discussion. Borrow from this list:

“What did you have for breakfast today?”

“When and where were you born?”

“Did you have any pets growing up?”

“What was school like for you? What were your best and worst subjects?”

“What did you want to be when you grew up?”

💚 about carechamp

At CareChamp, we provide a platform for connecting vulnerable persons with trusted, reliable home caregivers. The coronavirus epidemic is shining a light on loneliness among the elderly population. Now more than ever, we’re seeing how social isolation is a public-health concern. That said, it’s certainly not a new thing. That’s why we at CareChamp hope to continue this initiative long after things return to normal.

We’re expecting our initiative to grow quickly, which is why we’d like to join forces with retirement villages.

SIGN YOUR RETIREMENT VILLAGE UP

Befriend a Grandparent