GENERATIONS BOOK IN BONDING
NURSERY rhymes never get old as the residents of a Burleigh aged care facility proved when they impressed the youngsters at Gumleaf Gully with their repertoire.
Twice a month the two generations alternate between visiting one another and sharing their enthusiasm for life.
At the most recent visit little Ash McKillop, three, and her friends in the kindergarten room performed a dance routine, read story books and decorated cupcakes with their adopted grandparents.
“I like to read books and dance,” Ash said.
Beverley Lyons, 89, was brought to tears as the little ones reminded her of her beloved great grandchildren.
“I love it when they come to visit me, especially when they bring my favourite fish and chips,” Mrs Lyons said.
“Children are typical little show offs. They just love dancing for us and we love it too.”
Ozcare diversional therapist Michele Roche said the benefits of the program weren’t just confined to the two days a month the generations interacted.
Some of the residents who attended were vision impaired but still enjoyed the songs while the hard of hearing still got to watch the dancing.
All of them got lots of cuddles as the children were eager to clamber on their laps and sit beside them to read and show off their artwork.
Ms Roche said Ozcare residents spent weeks reminiscing about nursery rhymes and fairytales and picking themed outfits to wear such as the red and pink Valentine’s Day clothes they wore last week.
“It’s just so inspiring to see the joy and happiness these visits bring,” Ms Roche said.
“We encourage some of our more socially isolated residents to take part in excursions.
“And for those with higher needs who can’t travel much they are all able to join in when the children come to visit us.”
Gumleaf Gully director Jenny Wall said the children loved having an audience for their performances and regularly practised their songs in the lead up to a visit.
She said next time they planned to show off the centre’s pet reptiles to residents.
“It is very important for us as a centre to have this link to the community,” Ms Wall said.
“We wanted to do this program because of the benefits the elderly would receive by interacting with the children but also because of the benefits to the children who are learning to respect the older generation and appreciate what they have to offer.”