How To Stay Connected with Friends While Living in Aged Care

Moving into a residential aged care home is a significant transition, but it does not mean your social life ends. At Whiddon, we are passionate about enriching lives and keeping people connected to the things that matter to them.

While the health benefits of social support are well-documented, this guide focuses on practical, actionable ways to stay social. Whether you are a resident looking to make new friends or a family member supporting a loved one, these tips will help maintain vital social bonds.

Tips for Residents: Building New Connections

Building deep relationships with those around you is at the heart of the Whiddon experience.

• Start with small interactions: You do not need to attend a large event to be social. Simple gestures, such as a friendly hello in the hallway or striking up a conversation during meal times, are effective ways to begin building rapport with your neighbours.
• Join a hobby group: Aged care providers like Whiddon offer a variety of interest-based groups, from gardening and cooking to technology classes. Joining a group centred on a shared passion is one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people.
• Explore Creative Ageing programs: Participate in our award-winning Creative Ageing and Wellness programs. These activities are designed to be social catalysts, helping residents engage with one another through shared creativity and expression.
• Invite others to your space: Once you feel settled, consider inviting a neighbour for a cup of tea or a walk through the gardens. Taking the initiative can help break the ice and establish a more personal connection.

Tips for Families: Supporting Social Bonds

Maintaining strong relationships with family and friends is essential for a resident’s wellbeing.

• Participate in activities together: Instead of a standard visit in a resident’s room, join your loved one in a communal activity or a Whiddon event. Shared experiences help create new memories and provide fresh topics for conversation.
• Encourage small gestures: Remind extended family and friends that even small gestures have a significant impact. A weekly phone call, a random card, or a short video message helps a resident feel loved by their wider circle.
• Utilise communal spaces: Our homes are designed to make visits feel comfortable and natural. Meeting in the café or garden areas can change the environment and encourage more relaxed social interaction.
• Share social interests with staff: Our care teams take the time to deeply understand each person’s history and preferences. Sharing details about your loved one’s hobbies helps us facilitate meaningful connections within the home.

Bringing the Distance with Technology

Technology can help bridge the gap when family and friends are not nearby, helping older people feel more connected.

• Schedule regular video calls: Messaging apps like FaceTime or WhatsApp calls allow for face-to-face interaction. Setting a regular time each week gives your loved one a social milestone to look forward to.
• Share real-time updates: Use messaging groups to share photos and short videos of daily life, such as a grandchild’s sporting event. This helps residents feel part of the family’s everyday rhythm.
• Whiddon’s support with technology: Our employees are on hand to provide guidance and encouragement. Whether it is helping a resident join a video call or showing them how to navigate a tablet, we ensure technology remains a tool for connection.

How Whiddon Builds Connection into Everyday Care

Supporting social wellbeing is central to how we deliver aged care. Guided by our relationship-based care model, our teams take the time to get to know each person, including their background, interests and preferences.

To learn more about how we prioritise wellbeing and connection in all our services, contact our friendly team today.