Wisbech care home residents share their heart-warming friendship stories for world friendship day 2022
To mark this year’s International Day of Friendship (Saturday), care home residents at Lottie’s Lyncroft Care Home in Wisbech have been sharing their wisdom on the best parts of friendship in your younger years - and beyond.
Some of the best friendships form in care homes: from looking after each other after loss, to taking part in activities together, residents across the country have also shared their best friendship memories made in their new homes.
In support of World Friendship Day, Maureen and Pauline have shared their friendship story after striking up a close bond at the home.
Maureen said: “I met Pauline at the lunch table, she wanted my cauliflower, and I didn’t want her to have it!”
Pauline went on to explain: “I moved into Lyncroft a few months after Maureen. She was very welcoming (besides the cauliflower incident)! I had a difficult time adjusting at the start as moving into a care home was a big change, but it was the right decision due to my decrease in mobility and I wanted to be with my husband, James.
"As you can imagine there was a lot of emotion when James passed away but having the support of Maureen has really helped me.”
Customer relations manager at Lyncroft Care Home - Mel Cushen - said, “Maureen and Pauline are always welcoming to our new residents. They also enjoy being mischievous and having a good laugh together!
"It’s been wonderful to watch their friendship grow. Maureen was such a great support when James passed away.”
From combatting loneliness to boosting your happiness levels, there’s some surprising health benefits of friendship, according to Lottie’s co-founder and care expert Will Donnelly.
He said: “Over the last few years, our friendships have been more important than ever before. Having strong relationships with your friends can reduce any feelings of loneliness and anxiety, as well as keeping you motivated to achieve your goals.
"There’s something so special about hearing about these new friendships in our care homes, alongside the valuable life lessons for the younger generations.
"You’re never too old to form new friendships, and this is something that’s so apparent when you visit a care home. New friends can increase your sense of belonging, boost your happiness, and improve your self-confidence."
