Residents at HC-One’s Maple Lodge in Stafford welcomed in a group of young people for a fun two days of intergenerational activities.
The local students, who are undertaking National Citizen Service to gain experience of working with older people, assisted in the running of activities, including board games, reminiscence sessions in the garden, one-to-one arts and crafts and socialisation with residents at meal times.
The initiative helps to encourage the development of relationships between generations and has been shown to reduce the likelihood of social isolation in the elderly, teach children news skills, as well as aid in cognitive simulation.
Shane Talbot, Care Home Manager at Maple Lodge, commented: “We were delighted to welcome in such a wonderful group of young people to Maple Lodge and the experience it gave both them and our residents proved invaluable in the development of life skills and wellbeing.
“Our residents really enjoyed the activities on offer and would like to express their thanks to all the children involved in the scheme. We would love to welcome them back someday.”
In addition to providing entertainment, the enthusiastic students brought in a variety of homemade cakes and scones for staff and residents to enjoy.
Maple Lodge provides residential dementia short-term and long-term stay for elderly member of the community in Rowley Park, Stafford. The home boasts en-suite rooms, a hair salon, wellbeing rooms, coffee mornings and its own minibus.