New partners help OAPs to close generation gap
AN innovative partnership between a Rochdale care home and a national charity brought together young and old to share memories of their lives.
Half Acre House Care Home invited local students from the Prince’s Trust to showcase their computer and communication skills.
Residents were taught how to use websites to search for the homes they had grown up in, the schools they had attended and memories of their favourite holidays.
In an afternoon of talking, learning and discovering the students also showcased to residents how they use mobile phones to communicate with their friends and family.
The day helped older people recall their childhood memories and encouraged students from the Prince’s Trust to learn more about the life stories of Half Acre House residents.
Anita Lewis, owner of Half Acre House Care Home, said it was a ‘great initiative’.
She added: “This was a wonderful day with our residents remembering special moments in their lives through modern communication.
“It reconnected them with fond memories, with the students’ caring approach really helping to bring out residents’ favourite moments from yesteryear.
“It was a great initiative and the residents were thrilled to reminisce about their lives through internet searches.”
Coun Iftikhar Ahmed, Rochdale council’s cabinet member for adult care, said well done to everyone involved.
He added: “This is such a good idea, with the different generations coming together to swap stories, share memories and talk about their lives.
“Half Acre House and the Prince’s Trust deserve considerable credit for bringing different generations together in a shared love of ideas and learning.
“It helped older people reconnect with their younger days, which is great for their health and wellbeing, and also enhanced the communication skills of younger people. Well done to everyone involved.”