Glebe House and a local nursery have teamed up to launch a new intergenerational project, that sees pre-schoolers and older residents come together and enjoy a variety of activities - with both generations reaping the benefits.
The home in Southbourne approached Green Roots after conducting an in-house activity survey which revealed residents showing an interest in providing a story time session for pre-schoolers.
After receiving a positive response from Green Roots, their first activity session was set-up at Glebe House in June this year, which involved care home staff and residents reading stories to the children.
It went so well that both the care facility’s residents and the nursery requested that the intergenerational group activities become a regular fixture in their diaries. A bi-weekly schedule was soon set-up and has been running ever since.
Since then, they’ve participated in a wide range of activities; from playing games, building forts and dens and making arts and crafts, to singing, dancing and performing with the children.
Green Roots Nursery and Pre-School’s approach to learning involves providing children with stimulating activities and experiences to help foster a lifelong love of learning, which corresponds beautifully with the aims of the intergenerational project.
A number of Glebe House’s residents have spoken glowingly about the project. Joyce Cluer, 91, said: “It’s wonderful having the children here. They’re so smiley and happy. I love seeing the little boys and girls faces. I wish I could give them all a big hug and a squeeze.”
While 88-year-old resident, Ann Young, said: “It feels lovely to have the children here, like we all appreciate and teach each other. It’s a breath of fresh air. It makes me feel so good that they communicate with me.’’
Emily Watts, deputy manager of Glebe House, believes the regular interaction of old and younger generations is important for the well-being of residents that can have long-term positive effects on their mental health.
Miss Watts said: “Intergenerational care has been shown to significantly improve mental health and emotional wellbeing.
“Adults in care homes who participate in intergenerational activities may benefit from reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation, lowered rates of depression and anxiety, and an improved sense of purpose and belonging.
“The project has led to us formulating other initiatives, including an ‘advice for the younger generations’ session, which are only adding to our suite of stimulating activities for our residents.”
Lauren Woznicki of Green Roots, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Glebe House. The children are really enjoying getting to know the care home residents and love learning from them.
“We hope our collaborative project will inspire other early years educational settings and care facilities to join forces and share in the tangible benefits for both young and old.”
Glebe House is modern purpose care home designed operated by Shaw healthcare situated on Stein Road in Southbourne and has 40 residential places.
