An assisted-living facility in North Carolina is four months into a strict no-visitor rule because of the coronavirus pandemic. The residents are getting lonely and spirits are down, so the staff came up with a great idea to cheer them up with the help of social media.
Meredith Seals, the chief operating officer of Victorian Senior Care, told CNN:
“It has been mentally straining on them not to see family members and loved ones. When you are used to having family there every day and then you can’t, it’s very lonely for them.”
The Facebook post with one simple question went viral.
It has since been shared over 32,000 times. The residents posed for pictures with signs saying their names and interests. They’re all hoping to match with pen pals from around the world.
Many other senior care centers across the country are doing the same thing. They are hoping it will be a way to spread a little kindness during this pandemic when everyone is feeling so isolated.
Guys. This pandemic is a very lonely time for people. The residents at Victorian Senior Care are looking for pen pals! Click the link below to meet your new best friends!!! https://t.co/SMxYjyfPi2pic.twitter.com/cA9dlbkp06
— Marissa Rosen (@TheMarissaRosen) July 2, 2020
Look through the pictures and maybe send a card to one of these lovely people. I’m sure it will help you feel less isolated as well. The staff posted pictures of the residents with their names and interests and an address to send the letters to.
Here is another facility asking for pen pals:
The letters are being sanitized before they reach the residents. These senior care facilities have not had a case of COVID-19 yet, and they would like to keep it that way.
Featured Image: YouTube.
