When I was born, my parents had already moved away from their hometown and we didn't return until I was 14 after the death of my grandpa.  During the intervening years, I saw my grandparents mostly at Christmas time. To provide my brother and I with some extra "family"

close to home we adopted grandparents in our area. This provided a chance for my mum to get some much needed help with two young boys plus it gave us a chance to have some visits to an older couple in our community.

I was quite excited to see the "Adopt a Pensioner" scheme adopt-a-pensioner.yourwebspace.com.au/ promoted on the Today Tonight program in July 2008 au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/article/4191914/money/adopt-pensioner-website-help

The concept is for a family to adopt a pensioner and help them out but for parents with young children without the support of an extended family, the benefits can work both ways. You can help with day-to-day things like going to the shops, doing the housework or just popping over for a chat and a cuppa? But they can also share their wisdom and time with you and your child, especially if you are at home all day and the walls seem to be closing in on you.

Everyone wins.