Local Company Brings Joy to Senior Citizens at Assisted Living Communities in Knoxville

Knoxville, Tenn., balloon artist Dianna Glandon participates in a nationwide initiative to bring joy to local seniors isolated during the pandemic, reports WBIR . Through the Adopt-a-Grandparent project, her team delivered 52 Balloon Buddies to residents at Morning Pointe on Westland assisted living community. Glandon said her investigations found that "the effects of loneliness cause a decline in mental abilities, decreased attention and concentration, increased anxiety, and a rapid progression of Alzheimer's disease." She knew that receiving a Balloon Buddy would lift spirits and let grandparents know they are loved. There are nine additional assisted living communities listed for adoption by the program, with more added daily. Grandparents can be adopted by anyone — community residents, churches, civic organizations, school clubs, businesses, and out of town or state residents. Glandon donates all delivery services and two Balloon Buddies for every 10 adopted grandparents.