Where this all began
When my grandmother was forced to move into an assisted living home, I visited her on Sundays. While on my weekly visits, I often interacted with fellow residents at the communal tables and their stories were fascinating. I was struck by how eager and willing they were to share about their lives. After my grandmother passed I began volunteering as a visitor at nursing homes, always requesting to spend time with the person who got the least visitors. I had the privilege to hear about their lives, and those visits were the highlight of my week.
I started Heritage Stories because I believe the stories of older adults are powerful and add value for those who hear it, but also for the person telling the story. Research shows that sharing a narrative can stem the progression of cognitive decline and give older adults a stronger sense of themselves.
Capturing someone's story helps their legacy live on — and can serve as inspiration for future generations.
I want older adults to have their lives, accomplishments, and even their struggles, captured and processed — and then give them an opportunity to share it with a small group, large crowd, or simply their families.
— Nick Adams Pandolfo