It is no secret that loneliness is one of the toughest and most isolating feelings to experience, especially for older Australians. However, one amazing Australian-first initiative is doing its part to give isolated individuals hope and joy while they are living in aged care facilities.

Connect the 40%, a Melbourne-based company, has created a digital gifting platform where anyone can purchase gifts or experiences for elderly residents of Australian aged care facilities. The company aims to bring hope to aged care residents and combat the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation in nursing homes, one gift at a time.

The best gift is often company. Credit: Shutterstock

Studies show that 40% of older people living in aged care don't receive regular visitors.

Many residents are isolated, sitting in aged care homes with limited contact with the outside world. This is why Connect the 40% has stepped forward to fill this gap and is such an important and worthwhile venture – to provide these Australians with gifts, experiences and, most of all, company.

You can purchase a specific gift or search through over four pages of individual residents that are already a part of the program. This option allows you to purchase a gift from their personal wish list. For example, Bruce, 71, ‘would like the opportunity to enjoy lunch at a cafe with a guest’. Meanwhile, Maureen, 78, ‘would love the company of an interactive cat’. Interactive animals have become increasingly popular in private homes, nursing homes and care facilities where people may struggle to care for pets or pets may not be permitted.

The platform was the idea of Lauren Todorovic and Jakob Neeland, and was brought to life after Todorovic witnessed first-hand the impact of loneliness on the elderly during her time as a nurse.

Lauren Todorovic (Founder), Jakob Neeland - Social Impact, Emma Goodsell - CT40% ambassador visiting Sacred Heart Mission to gather gift requests from residents. Credit: Connect the 40%

Lauren Todorovic explained how the company delivers presents and experiences, gifted by generous donors, to aged care facilities. She points out that as a former nurse, she has witnessed first-hand the impact that loneliness can have on the elderly.

'For us to be able to [deliver these gifts], it seems like such a small thing for us, but a huge impact for the older person,' Todorovic said.

The Connect the 40% website explains: ‘Using our deep understanding and experience in the aged care sector, we have built this platform to literally connect those residents in nursing homes in need of a boost with kind-hearted people who want to buy a gift or experience to give them just that.’

Key Takeaways

• Connect the 40% is an Australian-first initiative giving hope to aged care residents through a digital gifting platform for everyday Australians to purchase gifts for elderly residents in aged care facilities.
• The Melbourne-based company developed the platform due to 40% of older Australians in aged care not receiving regular visitors or consistent emotional support.
• Lauren Todorovic, a former nurse and co-founder of Connect the 40%, has witnessed firsthand the impact of loneliness on the elderly.
• To learn more about Connect the 40% and how to participate, readers can visit the platform's website.

Connect the 40% has clearly made a difference in the lives of many Australian aged care residents. The company provides unique and unforgettable experiences that enhance their quality of life. If you want to support this amazing initiative, visit Connect the 40% website for more information.

Recently, A Current Affair joined Connect the 40% as they delivered presents and experiences to grateful seniors living in aged care facilities and it was a truly heart-warming watch. Speaking of, you can watch a portion of the segment here:

​

Members, share this story and be part of the movement to bring joy to aged care residents. Simply bringing attention to the initiative helps the cause greatly.

What do you think of this initiative? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you were to receive the perfect gift or experience, what would it be?

 

[Tervueren]

What a beautiful idea! Mum was in a Nursing Home for the last 3 months of her life and despite my visiting her every day I would often run out of ideas or things to do to help brighten up her day. Sadly I noticed that the majority of other residents NEVER had anyone come to visit them and they would always call out to me to have a chat, often just to receive some one-on-one personal contact with another person who actually would show interest in what they were saying It was terribly sad, but it is positive to see that Connect the 40% is going some way to help enrich the lives of these neglected elderly people.

 

[Jo Piper3]

It is no secret that loneliness is one of the toughest and most isolating feelings to experience, especially for older Australians. However, one amazing Australian-first initiative is doing its part to give isolated individuals hope and joy while they are living in aged care facilities.

Connect the 40%, a Melbourne-based company, has created a digital gifting platform where anyone can purchase gifts or experiences for elderly residents of Australian aged care facilities. The company aims to bring hope to aged care residents and combat the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation in nursing homes, one gift at a time.

View attachment 18177

The best gift is often company. Credit: Shutterstock

Studies show that 40% of older people living in aged care don't receive regular visitors.

Many residents are isolated, sitting in aged care homes with limited contact with the outside world. This is why Connect the 40% has stepped forward to fill this gap and is such an important and worthwhile venture – to provide these Australians with gifts, experiences and, most of all, company.

You can purchase a specific gift or search through over four pages of individual residents that are already a part of the program. This option allows you to purchase a gift from their personal wish list. For example, Bruce, 71, ‘would like the opportunity to enjoy lunch at a cafe with a guest’. Meanwhile, Maureen, 78, ‘would love the company of an interactive cat’. Interactive animals have become increasingly popular in private homes, nursing homes and care facilities where people may struggle to care for pets or pets may not be permitted.

The platform was the idea of Lauren Todorovic and Jakob Neeland, and was brought to life after Todorovic witnessed first-hand the impact of loneliness on the elderly during her time as a nurse.

View attachment 18178

Lauren Todorovic (Founder), Jakob Neeland - Social Impact, Emma Goodsell - CT40% ambassador visiting Sacred Heart Mission to gather gift requests from residents. Credit: Connect the 40%

Lauren Todorovic explained how the company delivers presents and experiences, gifted by generous donors, to aged care facilities. She points out that as a former nurse, she has witnessed first-hand the impact that loneliness can have on the elderly.

'For us to be able to [deliver these gifts], it seems like such a small thing for us, but a huge impact for the older person,' Todorovic said.

The Connect the 40% website explains: ‘Using our deep understanding and experience in the aged care sector, we have built this platform to literally connect those residents in nursing homes in need of a boost with kind-hearted people who want to buy a gift or experience to give them just that.’

Key Takeaways

• Connect the 40% is an Australian-first initiative giving hope to aged care residents through a digital gifting platform for everyday Australians to purchase gifts for elderly residents in aged care facilities.
• The Melbourne-based company developed the platform due to 40% of older Australians in aged care not receiving regular visitors or consistent emotional support.
• Lauren Todorovic, a former nurse and co-founder of Connect the 40%, has witnessed firsthand the impact of loneliness on the elderly.
• To learn more about Connect the 40% and how to participate, readers can visit the platform's website.

Connect the 40% has clearly made a difference in the lives of many Australian aged care residents. The company provides unique and unforgettable experiences that enhance their quality of life. If you want to support this amazing initiative, visit Connect the 40% website for more information.

Recently, A Current Affair joined Connect the 40% as they delivered presents and experiences to grateful seniors living in aged care facilities and it was a truly heart-warming watch. Speaking of, you can watch a portion of the segment here:

​

Members, share this story and be part of the movement to bring joy to aged care residents. Simply bringing attention to the initiative helps the cause greatly.

What do you think of this initiative? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you were to receive the perfect gift or experience, what would it be?

Sounds like a really wonderful service to aged care Residents who have nothing to look forward to.

 

[elaine41]

It's not just those in nursing homes who are alone & often lonely. I don't see anyone from one weekend to the next unless it is when I do my grocery shopping or go to the Drs. The only other contact I have is when someone will take the time to ring me to have a chat. Life can be very lonely for those of us who are limited in where we can go & what we do especially if you have no family who might take an interest in your welfare.

 

[starrysnan]

I agree with member elaine41 that loneliness is one of the biggest problems in our society. I worked in the community and in aged care and the biggest gift you can give someone is your time. For many residents the staff are the people who bring the world into their home along with the visitors and those amazing volunteers. Many people who live independently also enjoy a visit or a phone call. There are also community services who can engage you as a volunteer to phone elderly people to check on their welfare and have a chat on a regular basis.

 

[ChrisTasmania]

It is no secret that loneliness is one of the toughest and most isolating feelings to experience, especially for older Australians. However, one amazing Australian-first initiative is doing its part to give isolated individuals hope and joy while they are living in aged care facilities.

Connect the 40%, a Melbourne-based company, has created a digital gifting platform where anyone can purchase gifts or experiences for elderly residents of Australian aged care facilities. The company aims to bring hope to aged care residents and combat the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation in nursing homes, one gift at a time.

View attachment 18177

The best gift is often company. Credit: Shutterstock

Studies show that 40% of older people living in aged care don't receive regular visitors.

Many residents are isolated, sitting in aged care homes with limited contact with the outside world. This is why Connect the 40% has stepped forward to fill this gap and is such an important and worthwhile venture – to provide these Australians with gifts, experiences and, most of all, company.

You can purchase a specific gift or search through over four pages of individual residents that are already a part of the program. This option allows you to purchase a gift from their personal wish list. For example, Bruce, 71, ‘would like the opportunity to enjoy lunch at a cafe with a guest’. Meanwhile, Maureen, 78, ‘would love the company of an interactive cat’. Interactive animals have become increasingly popular in private homes, nursing homes and care facilities where people may struggle to care for pets or pets may not be permitted.

The platform was the idea of Lauren Todorovic and Jakob Neeland, and was brought to life after Todorovic witnessed first-hand the impact of loneliness on the elderly during her time as a nurse.

View attachment 18178

Lauren Todorovic (Founder), Jakob Neeland - Social Impact, Emma Goodsell - CT40% ambassador visiting Sacred Heart Mission to gather gift requests from residents. Credit: Connect the 40%

Lauren Todorovic explained how the company delivers presents and experiences, gifted by generous donors, to aged care facilities. She points out that as a former nurse, she has witnessed first-hand the impact that loneliness can have on the elderly.

'For us to be able to [deliver these gifts], it seems like such a small thing for us, but a huge impact for the older person,' Todorovic said.

The Connect the 40% website explains: ‘Using our deep understanding and experience in the aged care sector, we have built this platform to literally connect those residents in nursing homes in need of a boost with kind-hearted people who want to buy a gift or experience to give them just that.’

Key Takeaways

• Connect the 40% is an Australian-first initiative giving hope to aged care residents through a digital gifting platform for everyday Australians to purchase gifts for elderly residents in aged care facilities.
• The Melbourne-based company developed the platform due to 40% of older Australians in aged care not receiving regular visitors or consistent emotional support.
• Lauren Todorovic, a former nurse and co-founder of Connect the 40%, has witnessed firsthand the impact of loneliness on the elderly.
• To learn more about Connect the 40% and how to participate, readers can visit the platform's website.

Connect the 40% has clearly made a difference in the lives of many Australian aged care residents. The company provides unique and unforgettable experiences that enhance their quality of life. If you want to support this amazing initiative, visit Connect the 40% website for more information.

Recently, A Current Affair joined Connect the 40% as they delivered presents and experiences to grateful seniors living in aged care facilities and it was a truly heart-warming watch. Speaking of, you can watch a portion of the segment here:

​

Members, share this story and be part of the movement to bring joy to aged care residents. Simply bringing attention to the initiative helps the cause greatly.

What do you think of this initiative? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you were to receive the perfect gift or experience, what would it be?

Receiving a gift from someone who I didn't know and who is doing some charity work would leave me feeling more depressed. The givers are more likely doing it to make themselves feel good.

 

[terri]

Receiving a gift from someone who I didn't know and who is doing some charity work would leave me feeling more depressed. The givers are more likely doing it to make themselves feel good.

That's one way to look at it, Chris. But looking at the glass half full rather than half empty goes a long way to making you feel better. These gestures often make the majority of people feel that someone does care, even if they dont know them. I hope you can smile today Chris, even a little.

 

[ChrisTasmania]

That's one way to look at it, Chris. But looking at the glass half full rather than half empty goes a long way to making you feel better. These gestures often make the majority of people feel that someone does care, even if they dont know them. I hope you can smile today Chris, even a little.

I'm not certain about the majority of people and their reaction towards getting some random gift which may or may not be suitable for them, but if I received an unwanted gift from an unknown person whilst I was in aged care it would not indicate to me that "someone cares about me". To put your mind at rest, I have no trouble smiling.

 

[Jo Piper3]

It's not just those in nursing homes who are alone & often lonely. I don't see anyone from one weekend to the next unless it is when I do my grocery shopping or go to the Drs. The only other contact I have is when someone will take the time to ring me to have a chat. Life can be very lonely for those of us who are limited in where we can go & what we do especially if you have no family who might take an interest in your welfare.

Hi Elaine
Don't know where you live but if it would help you can keep in touch with me via email to make you feel less lonely and I will happily respond.

 

[ChrisTasmania]

Hi Elaine
Don't know where you live but if it would help you can keep in touch with me via email to make you feel less lonely and I will happily respond.

It's not just those in nursing homes who are alone & often lonely. I don't see anyone from one weekend to the next unless it is when I do my grocery shopping or go to the Drs. The only other contact I have is when someone will take the time to ring me to have a chat. Life can be very lonely for those of us who are limited in where we can go & what we do especially if you have no family who might take an interest in your welfare.

Yes, Elaine, you have highlighted a wider problem, in Western society, than with those just in nursing homes. I moved from a city of 8.5 million people to an area that has a total of 2,500 residents, mostly elderly from what I've observed. My situation seems a bit different from yours, but I have found FB groups for recipes and gardening that are interactive and sourced out a couple of local groups for Tai Chi, Probus and an over 55's exercise class. I found that making a connection with one group leads to further contacts with the potential of finding someone with shared interests. Maybe you've already tried this, but it was just a thought :>

 

[ChrisTasmania]

It is no secret that loneliness is one of the toughest and most isolating feelings to experience, especially for older Australians. However, one amazing Australian-first initiative is doing its part to give isolated individuals hope and joy while they are living in aged care facilities.

Connect the 40%, a Melbourne-based company, has created a digital gifting platform where anyone can purchase gifts or experiences for elderly residents of Australian aged care facilities. The company aims to bring hope to aged care residents and combat the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation in nursing homes, one gift at a time.

View attachment 18177

The best gift is often company. Credit: Shutterstock

Studies show that 40% of older people living in aged care don't receive regular visitors.

Many residents are isolated, sitting in aged care homes with limited contact with the outside world. This is why Connect the 40% has stepped forward to fill this gap and is such an important and worthwhile venture – to provide these Australians with gifts, experiences and, most of all, company.

You can purchase a specific gift or search through over four pages of individual residents that are already a part of the program. This option allows you to purchase a gift from their personal wish list. For example, Bruce, 71, ‘would like the opportunity to enjoy lunch at a cafe with a guest’. Meanwhile, Maureen, 78, ‘would love the company of an interactive cat’. Interactive animals have become increasingly popular in private homes, nursing homes and care facilities where people may struggle to care for pets or pets may not be permitted.

The platform was the idea of Lauren Todorovic and Jakob Neeland, and was brought to life after Todorovic witnessed first-hand the impact of loneliness on the elderly during her time as a nurse.

View attachment 18178

Lauren Todorovic (Founder), Jakob Neeland - Social Impact, Emma Goodsell - CT40% ambassador visiting Sacred Heart Mission to gather gift requests from residents. Credit: Connect the 40%

Lauren Todorovic explained how the company delivers presents and experiences, gifted by generous donors, to aged care facilities. She points out that as a former nurse, she has witnessed first-hand the impact that loneliness can have on the elderly.

'For us to be able to [deliver these gifts], it seems like such a small thing for us, but a huge impact for the older person,' Todorovic said.

The Connect the 40% website explains: ‘Using our deep understanding and experience in the aged care sector, we have built this platform to literally connect those residents in nursing homes in need of a boost with kind-hearted people who want to buy a gift or experience to give them just that.’

Key Takeaways

• Connect the 40% is an Australian-first initiative giving hope to aged care residents through a digital gifting platform for everyday Australians to purchase gifts for elderly residents in aged care facilities.
• The Melbourne-based company developed the platform due to 40% of older Australians in aged care not receiving regular visitors or consistent emotional support.
• Lauren Todorovic, a former nurse and co-founder of Connect the 40%, has witnessed firsthand the impact of loneliness on the elderly.
• To learn more about Connect the 40% and how to participate, readers can visit the platform's website.

Connect the 40% has clearly made a difference in the lives of many Australian aged care residents. The company provides unique and unforgettable experiences that enhance their quality of life. If you want to support this amazing initiative, visit Connect the 40% website for more information.

Recently, A Current Affair joined Connect the 40% as they delivered presents and experiences to grateful seniors living in aged care facilities and it was a truly heart-warming watch. Speaking of, you can watch a portion of the segment here:

​

Members, share this story and be part of the movement to bring joy to aged care residents. Simply bringing attention to the initiative helps the cause greatly.

What do you think of this initiative? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you were to receive the perfect gift or experience, what would it be?

It will come as no surprise to most that aged care facilities are woefully understaffed. In my area of Tasmania the aged care facility has been directed to increase resident contact "minutes", but with the meagre staffing levels they try to operate on, meal times are called "crunch times" as there's not enough bodies to go around to help with meals. The aged care facility in my area, and probably other areas, welcomes volunteers to help at meal times as some of the residents struggle with feeding themselves. A far better expression of caring for the elderly residents, in my opinion, would be to volunteer and give the gift of your time and company instead of some meaningless little trinket.

 

[Tervueren]

I'm not certain about the majority of people and their reaction towards getting some random gift which may or may not be suitable for them, but if I received an unwanted gift from an unknown person whilst I was in aged care it would not indicate to me that "someone cares about me". To put your mind at rest, I have no trouble smiling.

Hi Chris, when you get right into the fundamentals about the business 'Connect the 40%' you will find that Residents only receive a gift if they have Registered and put their name down for a particular gift that they want to receive, or an experience that they would like to take part in. This is not just people giving out random gifts that may or may not be suitable to random residents, but lonely folk who have actually Registered with the Business and chosen one (or several) different gifts or experiences that they would like to do.

 

[ChrisTasmania]

Hi Chris, when you get right into the fundamentals about the business 'Connect the 40%' you will find that Residents only receive a gift if they have Registered and put their name down for a particular gift that they want to receive, or an experience that they would like to take part in. This is not just people giving out random gifts that may or may not be suitable to random residents, but lonely folk who have actually Registered with the Business and chosen one (or several) different gifts or experiences that they would like to do.

Hi Tervueren, Giving people what they want may add a little something to their lives. I have a little experience of working in an aged care facility in 2016and at that time, in that facility, little time/thought/care/consideration was given to the residents.