Our residents share friendship advice

To mark International Friendship Day (30th July), our residents have been sharing their pearls of wisdom on how to maintain lifelong friendships.

Best friends of 50 years, Kashiben and Kamuben, live at our Asra House Residential Care Home in Leicester.

The inseparable duo grew up in neighbouring towns in India before moving to the UK in the 1950s. Together, they’ve celebrated over 50 birthdays and taken many family holidays around Europe, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Even now, they spend all their time together and say the secret to a lasting friendship is “to always look out for each other”.

Commenting on their friendship, Kamuben said: “We’ve experienced many highs and lows of life during our friendship. We’ve learnt to embrace our differences and overcome challenges. Now, if we bicker, we laugh about it minutes later.”

Meanwhile Betty and Dorothy, who live at our Ravenhurst Residential Care Home in Stourport-on-Severn, have been by each other’s side for over 60 years.

Betty advised that “enjoying each other’s company” and “having a good old gossip” has created a lifetime bond.

Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, Chief Operating Officer - Sanctuary Care, said: “The value of a great friendship can’t be underestimated. In fact, we know from academic research that a sense of belonging is fundamental to feel truly happy and fulfilled in life.

“Whilst moving into a care home can often feel like the start of a new chapter, our teams are committed to enriching our residents’ lives, providing a homely, welcoming place to live where residents can maintain relationships with their friends and family whilst also creating new friendships.”

For more about life with Sanctuary Care, our Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 331 7422.