U are Family: the possibility of booking a grandchild

Matteo Fiammetta and Cecilia Rossi have created a “U are family” project . A “grandfather” can make a temporary request for a “grandson” to be in pleasant company. An admirable initiative, where the elderly and young people are called that without really being one. Cecilia and Matteo wanted to give a service to the elderly by giving them the company of some young volunteers. The project website allows the elderly to apply for a grandson by clicking on “Book a grandson” and looking for the most suitable for personal needs. They can both go for a walk together, play cards, go to the movies and share many good times together.

One of my favorite anecdotes concerns Nonna Silvia, who has been passionate about opera all her life. She wanted a niece with whom to listen and comment on her work and when the niece went to the appointment she had a tablet on which she proposed to see a work of her. Nonna Silvia had never seen the work, but only listened to it. As soon as the video started she burst into tears because she could see something that she had only imagined all her life.

Cecilia Rossi

The “grandchildren” take a course before carrying out their task, to do it in the most professional way possible. Thus the “grandparents” can open the “door” of their trust to prepared people. The “grandchildren” are not health workers, but only offer companionship to older people to make them feel less alone.

Not all elderly people have serious health conditions, many just need a little company. Especially if they don’t have friends or relatives visiting them. Also to make them feel safer when they leave the house due to poor eyesight or an unsafe step when walking. The “grandchildren” involved in the project are over 700 and aged between 19 and 35 years. 85% of these are women , but in the future they have all the prerogatives to increase the number of men as well .

• Book a grandson: the “U are family” project created to offer company to the elderly (ohga.it)