The Teri Project: Students and elderly continue building a legacy of intergenerational friendship
Since its inception in 2021, the Teri Project has brought together 60+ students and 100+ residents for intergenerational friendships at seven long-term care homes in Toronto and Scarborough. Photo: Jesse Milns.
It was January 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seniors in long-term care facilities were lonelier and more isolated than ever before. Using back-to-basics innovation, TMU’s Faculty of Community Services jumped into action, launching a new initiative: The Teri Project.
No perfect circumstances expected. No fancy technology needed. Just students and seniors pairing up at long-term care homes to meet a fundamental human need for friendship.
Participants quickly discovered that connection doesn’t require sameness; it can flourish across vast differences in age, health, background, circumstances and interests. Intergenerational friendships may be contemporary terminology, but the concept is age-old. The Teri Project brought it back into focus and gave it renewed expression.
Three years later, the program continues to be active in Toronto and Scarborough. It’s currently open to TMU students in nursing, social work, and child and youth care. But there are aspirations to expand into more care homes across the Greater Toronto Area, and to academic programs and faculties across TMU.
Students can participate as part of their field education. Many come in a little nervous, often with minimal or no experience interacting with seniors. All invariably exit with better-honed relational skills, growth beyond their comfort zone, and valuable insights into caring gently for one of society’s most vulnerable populations. Some students even continue visiting their elderly friends long after their cohort has finished — tangible proof of the program’s effectiveness in spreading community care.
Here, we share thoughts of some whose lives have been touched by the program.
By the numbers, since 2021:
60+ students participated
100+ residents matched
7 long-term care homes in Toronto and Scarborough
From the director's desk
Program director Taryn Cicchelli, pictured (left) with the late Teri Truscott, whose friendship later became the inspiration for The Teri Project. Looking back on the last three years, Cicchelli reflects: “I think Teri would be really happy to see how her legacy has brought so many people together, young and old.”
What feedback have you received from care homes?
Very positive! Their staff are so busy; they appreciate the help. One of them told me how a certain resident used to keep to themself, but after the connection, they became happy and engaged! There’s just something about an outside person coming into the home that changes the energy and makes residents feel special.
Any tips for students curious about participating?
Don’t worry if you have no prior experience! You’ll come to appreciate that there’s no need for a perfect conversation or mood. They simply appreciate your efforts and having a good time together — and that’s what matters!
A perfect pair: Roshana and Elferna
Child and youth care undergrad Roshana Raviendrakumar (pictured, left) and long-term care resident Elferna (right) have become best buddies. They enjoy listening to music together, “roasting” each other, and talking about their lives together every week.
What surprised you most about connecting with seniors?
Roshana: The real, lasting connections! There's no pressure — I can be myself and embrace who they are. I was nervous at first, but I was extremely pleasantly surprised that the residents have now become dear friends. They truly make an impact on me just as I hope to do for them. I enjoy their company, and they deserve dignity and kindness!
How have student visits touched your life?
Elferna: Sometimes I get sad because I don't get to talk much to people. I’m far from home and old friends have passed on. So, it lifts my spirits when students come — especially when they’re kind. Conversation is the most important and enjoyable part for me. When I share about myself, I feel happy. Listening to music together is also fun — it brings me back to my old days!
Remembering Betty: A daughter reminisces
Betty (pictured) moved from Saskatchewan into a long-term care home in Toronto, knowing locally only her daughter Joanne. Betty had very few visitors until she was matched up with a TMU student. A deep friendship blossomed before Betty passed away one year later.
How did the program touch your mother’s life — and your own?
Joanne: Mom had dementia, but her eyes lit up each time her student came to visit. Mom would always tell me what a “wonderful” young lady she was and how much she enjoyed her company. Her student was extremely joyful and gave so much of herself and her loving nature — not only as a placement student but when mom was dying and I needed support.
Would you recommend the program to others?
Yes, strongly! Many seniors don’t have family support, and there is never enough staff available to do what the students do: listening, cajoling, caring, hugging and being with them. The student’s time and attention meant so much to my mom and me. We’re still friends to this day!
Local seniors express appreciation
Gloria (pictured, left), Paul (middle) and Fran (right) are neighbours in the same long-term care home in Toronto. They recently shared thoughts on what they enjoy most about their visits with TMU students.
Gloria:
Some residents are very lonely and company is nice for them. I enjoy funny stories, looking at pictures, trivia and discussing what is going on in the news.
Fran:
I like being in the tea room sharing experiences. It reminds me of being close to home!
Paul:
It feels good to have someone visit me on a regular basis. I enjoy the humour, the way they talk to me about life, and sharing about my life and life stories too — and makes me feel happy!
Interested in the program?
Are you:
- a student interested in connecting with seniors for volunteering or for a field placement? The program is now accepting applications for summer term!
- a family member or practitioner interested in bringing the Teri Project into a long-term care home?
Visit our website, or contact Taryn Cicchelli to start exploring the possibilities.
