Young and old enjoying good times
NURSERY CHILDREN AND ELDERLY RESIDENTS FROM CARE HOME JOIN TOGETHER FOR FUN, LAUGHTER AND SINGSONG
‘YOU’RE never too young or old to laugh and learn’ - that’s the motto of an unusual new partnership in Rochdale.
A day care nursery and a residential home for the elderly have teamed up to share games, songs and laughter, and forge friendships.
The scheme was the brainchild of Genesis Day Care Nursery, in Milnrow, to give youngsters a new educational experience, and improve their confidence and communication skills.
They visit residents at Rosemary Care Home every week, and are encouraged to take books, toys and musical instruments, and both generations have been teaching each other nursery rhymes, songs and dances.
Andrea Radcliffe, pre-school team leader at Genesis, said: “It’s been amazing seeing the children get so excited when we tell them we are going to see the Rosemary residents.
“The children love telling them what they have been doing at nursery, and it’s something really different for the people at the care home.
“The sing-songs have been a real success. We are all learning new songs and the staff and residents have made us very welcome. Everyone involved has had a great time.”
Francesca Hawley, registered manager at Rosemary Care Home, says the visits have also had a ‘huge impact’ on the residents. “Integration of children and the elderly has always been high on the agenda for other countries, but we are way behind,” she said.
“We were so pleased when Andrea from Genesis approached us to form a partnership.
“After just a couple of sessions the interaction has been amazing, and a real highlight and talking point of the home.
“We are really looking forward to seeing how far this will go.”
The youngsters are also giving the residents a special preview of their Christmas Concert by performing a dress rehearsal at the home.
They will do their final performance at Milnrow Parish Church on Saturday, December 9.
Harry, one of the residents at the home, said: “I can’t believe that I remember the songs the children have been singing, and I want to join in the actions.
“Having a stroke makes this difficult, but it gives me a goal.”