Are you looking for ways to expand residents’ social connections and reduce loneliness? Bernadette Michael, Activity Director at Georgian Gardens Center for Rehab and Healthcare in Missouri, told us about a Brighten A Day, a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that “lifts the spirits of those in need of cheer by sending them love, hope, and joy.”
The group achieves this mission by providing letters, encouraging video messages, friendly conversations on video and care packages, as well as tablets and similar devices to promote communication.
Founder Hita Gupta, a Pennsylvania high school student, tells us the program matches volunteers with older people living in a variety of settings across the U.S. Volunteers of all ages (high school through adult) are paired with residents based on their mutual interests, their preferred language, and special needs such as skills in communicating with older adults with hearing impairment. All services are free of charge.
Brighten A Day has been featured on the CBS This Morning and Kelly Clarkson TV shows and Provider Magazine.