Getting to know you...
OAPs and kids in play talks
A special initiative involving primary school pupils meeting up with care home residents is helping foster understanding across generations.
The innovative project involves P6 pupils from Langcraigs Primary School, in Paisley, visiting the Braemount Care Home to spend time with residents.
The scheme, which runs for eight weeks, aims to encourage the children and older people to get to know each other and learn from one another by sharing stories and memories.
At the most recent workshop, pupils brought along their favourite toys and the home sourced toys from the past to create an afternoon focusing on how childhood entertainment has changed over the years.
Graeme Maclean, Head Teacher at Langcraigs Primary School spoke of how the workshop has not only benefited the residents, but has been hugely successful in terms of educating youngsters about history and respect.
He said: “The children were so intrigued and excited to meet the residents, and as soon as they arrived at the care home their eagerness and enthusiasm just intensified. It was a real pleasure to see how well the pupils and residents got along.
“The children were surprised to learn about the toys the older generations grew up with and the residents were curious about what toys the children have, so this activity was really educational and worthwhile.
“At school, we’re teaching the youngsters to be responsible citizens and this project teaches exactly that. I’m already planning for us to continue with it and carry on visiting the Braemount residents into next year.”
Care home bosses say the project allows pupils and residents to share experiences that are beneficial to both groups.
Alice Hutchinson, resident experience manager at Bupa’s Braemount Care Home, said: “We try to encourage our residents to get involved in the local community as much as possible, and this project is perfect for this and has been a huge success.
“Spending time with the children gives the residents such a boost as they love interacting with them. It’s fantastic to watch them telling stories to the youngsters and to see their faces light up.
“At Bupa, we strive to offer new and exciting opportunities that benefit the health and wellbeing of our residents and we believe that this is the perfect way for them to have fun while keeping active socially.”