Multi-generational fun at Bowbridge Court Care Home
Children and pensioners alike enjoy spending time together as part of a new scheme by a Newark care home.
Bowbridge Court Care Home, operated by Ideal Carehomes, hosts weekly sessions on a Monday mornings where children and their parents are invited to spend time with the residents.
The scheme was set up after staff saw how animated residents became during visits from their grandchildren and younger family members.
Mel Armstrong, Bowbridge Court’s activities co-ordinator, said: “It brings such a smile to the residents’ faces and they love seeing the children. We wanted to make the sessions more beneficial than just going to a mums and tots group in a village hall. This way the visits benefit everyone.
“If people come along regularly, we hope a lovely relationship will be forged between the families and the residents.”
The children have a play area set up in the ground floor common room where they can play and have a drink or a snack, and then are taken to the different floors to spend time with the residents, because this is less confusing for the residents.
Bowbridge Court Care Home offering childcare sessions..Residents L-R Sylvia Wiltshire and Kathleen Treharne with Alfie Barker 1.. (12073138)
Caroline Fincham attends the sessions with her daughter, Amber, who will be two in September.
She said: “This is such a wonderful idea. I would much rather bring my daughter here than go to a traditional child-only playgroup. Amber gets so much out of it because the residents are clearly so delighted to see her. The look on their faces when she runs in is priceless.
“It’s so important that little ones value and respect the older generation and I am delighted that the home has launched this initiative — it doesn’t cost me anything to come along and Amber gets to play in a warm welcoming environment with people who just love to interact with her.”
Resident Winifred Shaw said: “I love seeing the little ones. They are never any bother and they remind me of my grandchildren — they’re all grown up now.”
Betty Crofts, 88, said: “I love watching the children. They are quite fascinating and they are adorable.”
Catherine Goddard, Ideal Carehomes’ regional lifestyle manager, said: “Babies and toddlers always bring a real element of interest, fun and laughter, so we thought it would be a great idea to host our own play sessions for little ones right here within the homes. We offer a lovely safe environment with big open lounges which lend themselves perfectly to a playgroup style meet up.
“Our residents thrive on the interaction with children and are always very lively and excited ahead of the tots’ sessions. We sing nursery rhymes, play with musical toys and games and have even hatched some chicks. This type of intergenerational play is incredibly rewarding.
“We would be delighted to see more parents or care-givers drop in with their children its entirely free and is so much fun for everyone.”
The sessions are from 10.30am to noon every Monday. Anyone interested in going along should call Bowbridge Court on 01636 614821.
