Nursing
homes are often seen as places where the elderly live in isolation and
loneliness, separated from their families and communities. However, some
nursing homes are changing this perception by introducing intergenerational
programs that bring together the young and the old in meaningful and beneficial
ways.
Intergenerational programs are activities that involve people from different generations, such as children, teenagers, adults, and seniors, in order to foster mutual learning, understanding, and respect. These programs can take various forms, such as shared spaces, visits, volunteering, mentoring, or education.
In nursing
homes, intergenerational programs can provide opportunities for the residents
and the visitors to interact and engage in various activities, such as reading,
playing, singing, dancing, gardening, cooking, or crafting. These activities
can have positive effects on both the physical and mental health of the
participants, as well as on their social and emotional well-being.
Some of the
benefits of intergenerational programs in nursing homes are:
• They can reduce the loneliness and depression of the elderly, as they can enjoy
the company and attention of the younger generations.
• They can improve the cognitive and memory
skills of the elderly, as they can stimulate their brains and recall their past
experiences.
• They can enhance the self-esteem and
confidence of the elderly, as they can share their wisdom and skills with the younger generations.
• They can increase the empathy and respect of
the younger generations, as they can learn from the life stories and
perspectives of the elderly.
• They can develop the social and communication
skills of the younger generations, as they can interact with people from
different backgrounds and cultures.
• They can foster a sense of community and
belonging among the participants, as they can create bonds and friendships
across generations.
Some
examples of nursing homes that are implementing intergenerational programs are:
• Ashton Grange Nursing Home, a nursing home in Crawley, UK, that has partnered with a local nursery to provide
weekly visits and activities for the residents and the children.
• Ashton
House, a nursing home in Crawley and West Sussex, UK, that has
established a regular intergenerational choir with a nearby primary school,
where the residents and the pupils sing and perform together.
• AshtonLeigh Care Home, a nursing home in Crawley, UK, that has invited a group of
teenagers from a local college to volunteer and socialize with the residents,
as part of their personal development course.
These
nursing homes are examples of how intergenerational programs can enrich the
lives of both the elderly and the young, and how they can bridge the gap
between different generations. By bringing together different generations,
nursing homes can create a more vibrant and diverse environment, where everyone
can learn, grow, and have fun.
