Aberdeen youngsters put pen to paper for local care home

Home news

Jul 16, 2021

Residents at a local care home have not let the pandemic stop them from making new friends.

An intergenerational pen pal initiative began when Care UK’s Tor Na Dee, on North Deeside Road, received letters from pupils at Kingswells Primary School.

The first letters were received earlier this year, and residents were delighted to hear from their friends down the road. Their words gave residents the opportunity to reminisce about their own experiences of school and education in their younger years.  

Sheila Quinn, a resident at Tor Na Dee, said: “I feel like I really know the little girl I’ve been writing to, I can’t wait for her next letter. I like to hear about what she does at school. It makes me so happy to think she wants to write to me.”

Maureen Barrett, Home Manager at Tor Na Dee, said: “We were delighted to receive the very special letters from Kingswells Primary School.

“Intergenerational relationships have proven to be enriching for both sides, as they provide an opportunity for younger and older generations to learn from each other. These relationships can be particularly beneficial for older people, as they can offer a sense of purpose and prompt conversation. 

“This is the beginning of a blossoming friendship between our home and the school, and we look forward to meeting up in person with the pupils as soon as we are able.”

Lauren Palmer, teacher at Kingswells Primary School, concluded: ”The pen pal scheme has provided a fantastic opportunity for children to learn more about caring for others in our society. Many of the pupils have formed a special relationship with their pen pal already, and look forward to letters from their buddies. One child even said it’s like having another granny!”

Tor Na Dee provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema room and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.

For more information on Tor Na Dee, please call Home Manager, Maureen Barrett on 0122 404 2731, or email Maureen.barrett@careuk.com

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/Tor-Na-Dee