Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many of our elderly have been left isolated from the community. Although, this didn’t stop the Plainwell Life Care Center from searching for a safe and creative way to bring the community to them by linking them with people to write letters. 

The statewide lockdown has been hard on the seniors, many of whom have not been able to see their loved ones or engage with others outside of the center. Even with the programs and fun distractions, the staff at Plainwell knew they wanted more for their residents’ happiness. Forming connections are an important part of who we are and in this fragile time, we need that more than ever.

Staff directors, Tyler Connors and Brittany Zeman, came up with the pen pal plan prior to the pandemic, not realizing how necessary it would become when visitations were put on hold for safety precautions during the height of the pandemic. Even as outdoor visitation was again permitted, they desired another alternative to help their patrons remain connected. 

At first, only a few were interested in participating in the program and those individual’s photos were posted on the center’s social media with the topics they enjoyed discussing. Now over 50 people from the center are looking for writing buddies — and age doesn’t matter. Their interests are wide-ranging and the conversations they desire diverse, from church enjoyment to the outdoorsy and music loving. 

Does this sound like something you would enjoy? For those interested in writing to someone from the Plainwell Life Care Center, the address is provided below. If you want more details regarding whom to write your letter to or what gifts to send, call Brittany at (269) 685-4325. She will be happy to discuss what the residents desire from their pen pals. They also have a Facebook page available and a contact form on their website, lifecarecenterofplainwell.com. 

COVID has been tough on everyone; especially people with limited options, like our senior citizens and those with medical problems that are more susceptible to the disease. We all require human connection and interaction, and in a time like this, it is important to come together in any way we can. 

So, pick up a pen and write your letter to a future friend. 



Plainwell Life Care Center

320 Brigham Street

Plainwell, MI 49080