New subscription service helps people send monthly care packages to elderly loved ones

Let your loved ones know you care, even if you are busy or live far away.  A new subscription service called Tandem Lane helps people send monthly care packages to their elderly loved ones, curating and personalizing each box.

Designed to serve the 12 million+ people over 65 who live alone and may be in need of a little TLC from family members near and far, Tandem Lane assembles a 'box of happiness' containing items ranging from family photos to games, hobby items, snacks, and personal care products like non-skid socks and specialty soaps – complete with a personal note from the gifter every month.

Items are selected based on advice from experts on aging, caregivers and seniors themselves. Subscribers can specify male/female and no added sugar when they sign up and email digital photos and notes to be included in each monthly package. Tandem Lane prints the photos and notes, and also encloses a 'brag book' in the first month's shipment to store the photos accumulated over time. Fees begin at $19/month for a six-month subscription.

Staying Connected

Tandem Lane was founded by Chris Lund and Anila Venkat, who previously created ElderBranch to help people find long-term care facilities. The Tandem Lane concept grew out of their own experiences with older relatives as well as extensive discussions with geriatricians, therapists, assisted living facility and nursing home administrators, and other health care providers specializing in the elderly.

"Through our work with ElderBranch as well as our own observations, we realized the importance of helping less active seniors stay both socially and mentally engaged," Lund said. "Our goal with Tandem Lane is to help people provide that stimulation to older relatives, brighten their day on a regular basis, and give them a surprise to look forward to every month."

Each month's delivery comes in a toaster-sized box with activities such as card games, word puzzles and gardening kits. Subscribers receive an email notifying them of the theme and items in each shipment.

"When we Skype or Facetime with my grandmother, even a five-minute call makes such an impact. A Tandem Lane package can be another important touchpoint," Venkat said. "All of us get busy in our daily lives, and this is a way to be sure that you regularly reach out to and touch older relatives to let them know you care."