Never Lonely® is an Australia-born innovation by founder, Mary George. The concept was inspired by her direct experience of caring for her husband. When he was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s, she became his willing link to a diminishing world. This involved many hours keeping him occupied and happy.

Mary quickly learned there were no products suitable for caregivers to help residents and patients in similar situations continue to communicate and prevent the loneliness, helplessness and boredom they often experience. This included there being limited guidance on how to maintain communication where direct questioning stops being effective or pleasant for some. As Mary supported her husband, she drew from her professional background as a primary school teacher, journalist and health care practice manager to keep him alert and able to communicate. Despite the challenges, he still knew her and shared a loving association with her until he passed away six years later.

Mary’s personal experience turned into a wider desire to help aged care residents, dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, children in hospital, and people with disabilities specifically in this area of conversation, communication and connection. Supported by studies in dementia through the University of Tasmania, Mary focused her attention on the urgent need for practical tools and simple techniques to help caregivers who spend every day working with these residents and patients.

The result is Never Lonely® – a first-of-its-kind communication method to improve individual wellbeing and the quality of care. The tools and techniques in Never Lonely® form a simple and effective approach that helps carers, staff, support workers, volunteers and families create more compassionate, meaningful and respectful connections.