What’s happening?
Meaningful friendships are forming inside Carinity Brownesholme in Highfields.
For many residents, connection has come from everyday moments, sitting together at lunch, chatting during activities, or sharing a laugh over a game.
Why it matters
Loneliness can quietly affect older people, especially after major life changes.
Inside this Highfields aged care home, shared activities and small gestures are helping residents feel valued and supported.
Friendship is not just social; it builds confidence, improves outlook and creates belonging.
Local impact
For families in Highfields, it offers reassurance.
Loved ones are not only receiving care, but they are also forming real friendships that feel like family.
Joyce Knowles, Gayle Gardner and Maureen Town met through organised activities. All three have hearing difficulties, yet that has not stopped them from building a strong bond.
They now spend time playing cards, competing at bingo and heading out on bus trips together.
Spending time as friends “strengthens our minds, our outlook and our love for one another”, they said.
Another friendship began at the lunch table. Valerie Carland was seated beside Wendy Steel and Audrey Isambert, and the trio quickly became close.
“Wendy and Audrey have offered emotional support and feel like extra family. They’re good sports and beautiful company,” Valerie said.
She added, “We enrich each other’s lives by helping each other through tough times, offering comfort, building confidence and providing a sense of belonging.”
For Pam Kennedy, joining the community came after a long period of isolation. She had struggled with loneliness following the loss of her husband.
“My friends have a warm nature, and we share values. It can get lonely in your room. I always encourage new residents to join the activities organised by staff,” Pam said.
Margot Cox said the move restored her independence and social life.
“I wasn’t socialising very much. It was difficult getting into a bus or a car. I’ve been fortunate to find friends easily since moving here. I have so many friends in my home. All different, but all special,” she said.
She describes the home as feeling like a “big family”.
Fay McMahon, Valmai Fowler and Iris Lewis have also formed a close circle. They make a point of greeting newcomers.
“Feeling connected helps to avoid loneliness. We don’t know what they’re going through, so we just try to make them feel welcome.”
By the numbers
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Three residents with hearing difficulties formed a lasting friendship through organised activities, showing inclusion can lead to strong bonds.
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Nearly two years without social outings, one resident experienced significant isolation before moving into the community and reconnecting with others.
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Six residents from two friendship groups now actively support one another and welcome newcomers, creating stronger connections within the home.
Zoom in
The friendships did not begin with grand gestures.
They started with a shared table, a group activity, or a simple hello.
Emotional support, comfort and encouragement grew from those small beginnings.
Zoom out
Across aged care communities, social connection plays a key role in wellbeing.
This example from Highfields shows how everyday interaction can ease the transition into residential care.
What to look for next?
As more residents join the home, current friendship groups are already helping them settle in.
With regular activities and open welcomes, more connections are expected to grow.