The Benefits Of Intergenerational Programs In Aged Care
At Whiddon, we believe that fostering a sense of community and belonging is important in aged care. Intergenerational programs in aged care are one way to foster this and are something we encourage across our care homes at Whiddon.
As a leading aged care provider for over 75 years, we have seen firsthand the benefits of bridging the gap between younger and older Australians. There’s so much that makes these programs special to both generations and the impact they can have within our community.
What Are Intergenerational Programs?
At their core, intergenerational programs are designed to foster meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships between older adults and younger individuals. These programs vary widely in their execution, encompassing everything from regular social activities to collaborative projects, and educational exchanges. The overarching goal is to provide social support and cultivate a sense of unity and understanding across different age demographics while most importantly, having fun!
Impact On Aged Care Residents
Introducing intergenerational programs into aged care settings can have a significant impact on the overall wellbeing of residents. By providing consistent and engaging social interactions, these programs often mitigate feelings of isolation and loneliness that are prevalent among older adults. Like the benefits offered by relationship-based aged care, these meaningful interactions may also help with an increased sense of purpose and mental health, encouraging continued learning and curiosity for older adults.
Benefits For Younger Participants
The benefits of intergenerational programs extend well beyond aged care residents. Stories and experiences shared by older adults are invaluable to younger participants, offering them unique insights and wisdom that only come with age. Younger generations are also able to gain a deeper understanding and respect for older people, helping dispel myths about the ageing journey. For the community at large, these programs strengthen social bonds and support networks, creating a more cohesive, caring environment for all residents and families of loved ones.
Bridging The Generational Gap At Whiddon
Whiddon has been at the forefront of implementing intergenerational programs within our aged care framework. Acknowledging the profound impact these programs have, not only on our residents, but also on the community at large, has allowed us to roll out several successful initiatives.
Creative Ageing
We have a strong belief in the connection between the arts and overall health for older adults. These creative ageing activities often involve fun forms of creative expression such painting and dancing to help participants stay mentally engaged and physically fit. In some cases, these activities are held together with local schools and kindergartens where the students can participate alongside our residents in programs such as painting competitions, music classes and more.
GrandBuddies Program
Complementing our creative ageing programs are the GrandBuddies initiatives that are also held across our residential aged care homes. As the name suggests, these initiatives are based around pairing up local students with residents, allowing the two generations to communicate and learn from each other in areas such as STEM, music, history and more. The interactions provided by local students in preschools, right up to high schools, are also essential in allowing our residents to still feel connected with their communities and families.
Nurturing Bonds Across Generations In Aged Care
Intergenerational programs in aged care are more than just activities; they are vital components of a holistic approach to care that values social support and community integration. At Whiddon, our commitment to pioneering such initiatives is rooted in our belief in the transformative power of relationships for our residents. If you or a loved one is curious about our programs, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team today for more information.
