My name is Kim Shea and I help people make connections with each other that matter. It’s different than a buddy system or welcome committee because it improves listening and speaking skills and creates meaningful friendships. I provide prompts and topics for discussion, and engaging team/partner activities. I monitor the room to be sure everyone has the chance to speak in their groups. Participants go from light-hearted small chat to deeper talk about common experiences and emotions. People realize they aren't alone in their feelings and life situations.
The idea for Friendship Builders came to me because a man visited my mental health practice booth at an aging expo and said he was looking for groups of people to meet. He confided he was painfully lonely as he asked me to help him connect with a psychologist in my practice. Friendship Builders was born.
I facilitate Friendship Building sessions by offering a question to start off. Participants are grouped into 4 or 5 at a table. At every meeting, I ask them to sit with people they haven’t sat with before so they can talk to someone new. Once the group has answered their first question, conversation naturally evolves into regular conversation. Yet, before anyone begins to monologue, I introduce a new group activity or a second question. Both men and women are ready to share as we take the questions deeper each week. The mood at the meetings isn’t heavy though it can be somber or teary at times. It’s naturally balanced with a lot of humorous comments and vibrant conversation. The energy in the room is truly brilliant. It’s fantastic to see people continuing to talk when the meeting is over, eager to connect over conversations raised in the session.
Friendship Builders is ideal for widows, and widowers, those who regularly eat alone or don't interact during meals, people who don't appear to be thriving, people who love to meet more friends, and new community members during their first 3-6 months.
Retirement and Assisted Living communities have greatly helped to reduce loneliness among older adults who live there. However, there can be 15-20% of the senior living population that still feels lonely even in the best communities(1). Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact(2).
(1) https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2020.3a5
(2) https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
We all know loneliness is a global problem. It’s beautiful to see so much hope and excitement in these sessions simply from having a forum to really talk. I highly recommend this program to build resident happiness. If you book a minimum of two 1-hour sessions per month, I will guarantee your satisfaction with the program, or I’ll refund your money. I believe in the value of these groups that strongly. An introductory rate of $100 per session is good for the first three months. The regular rate is $150 per session. Friendship Builders is an excellent marketing point for your future residents and their loved ones.
I have been the president of Game Changing Counseling Services for almost 10 years. I'm a retirement coach, former activities coordinator for a skilled nursing community, and a former caregiver. I have a Master's degree in Leadership of Healthcare Organizations, and am driven to help improve the aging experience for older adults. Building communities is part of that goal and one of my favorite things to think about!
Yes, please contact me for customized solutions! You can also monitor Eventbrite for upcoming online events.
On the first day of a new friendship builder’s session, Jack, a Vietnam veteran, told the group that he’d lost his wife of many decades just nine months ago. I had asked people to share what they were hoping to get from the group sessions. “My wife was my best friend. I don’t know how to make new friends,” he admitted. For the first few weeks, Jack came to the sessions with a serious look on his face and arms crossed most of the time. As time went on, he started participating more with his groups. After only six weeks, he began entering the room with a smile and a visible improvement in his confidence. He now engages readily with new people as well as with those he’s spoken to before. Jack is well-liked and respected and appears to be on his way to making genuine friends.
“It’s great that we have this (group)!” –Jack
“We were all really ready for this (group).” –Mary
“Maybe we’re better at making new friends than we thought! I have hope again.” –Robert
“I’m so glad you’re facilitating this, so we don’t have to come up with things to talk about.” –Tina
“We are friends but we never talk like this.”– Millie, who attended with her friend
Copyright © 2024 Geriatric Counseling Services, Inc dba Game-Changing Counseling Services- All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.