Keeping companionship and shared interests in everyday care

What we found in the news

On November 15, 2023, the World Health Organization announced its Commission on Social Connection (opens in a new tab). The initiative set out to raise the priority of social connection and examine ways to address loneliness and isolation across countries and ages.

“Social isolation can affect anyone, of any age, anywhere,”

— Chido Mpemba, African Union Youth Envoy, in WHO’s announcement

The announcement describes a public-health initiative. It does not establish that a particular app, activity or number of visits will resolve loneliness. That distinction matters when bringing a broad concern into an individual family’s life.

Why this matters to us

A day can contain plenty of contact and still feel narrow. Someone arrives to complete a task, another person asks about an appointment, and a relative phones to check that everything is arranged. Necessary conversations can gradually crowd out ordinary companionship.

At genus, we think care should leave space for the person who loves gardening, follows a team, tells a good story or enjoys quiet company. The caregiver has interests and relationships beyond the work of care, too.

A shared interest offers a different opening from another update about what needs doing. It also gives someone receiving support a chance to contribute, teach, disagree and make choices.

Make one invitation personal

Our suggestion is to replace a vague promise to visit with a small invitation shaped by the person’s preferences.

Ask what they would enjoy, then make the practical arrangements light enough to be realistic. Perhaps two relatives can listen to the same radio program and talk afterward. A friend might bring a few garden photographs. A familiar game may work better in a short session than a long afternoon.

Before arranging it, consider:

• Is this something the person actually likes?
• Does the timing suit their energy and routine?
• Would they prefer company, conversation or some quiet time?
• Can they comfortably decline or change the plan?

These are our examples, not a treatment program. A pleasant invitation should not become another obligation or a test of whether someone is being sociable enough. If the first idea misses, listen and try a different one.

The genus connection

Today, the genusConnect Care App (opens in a new tab) supports enabled conversations and events for invited community members. Features and access depend on the organization’s configuration.

A care circle can use these tools to agree on a welcome visit and keep practical changes clear. The purpose is to help people spend time together; technology cannot supply the relationship itself or guarantee a health outcome. This is the human connection at the center of our mission.

One question to take away

What would you invite this person to do if the conversation began with their interests rather than their care needs?