Childs Play at Whittington House
10th November 2017
On Tuesday 7th November 2017, Whittington House Nursing Home in Cheltenham enjoyed a visit from Benhall Infants School, a local school close to our home.Our residents were very excited at the impending visit and the homes was full of anticipation waiting for the special guests to arrive. On their arrival, the group of four year olds introduced themselves to our residents and team before playing some games with them.The children had brought a few games from school with them to play with the residents and team. Our residents loved sharing and engaging with the youngsters. They played shape puzzle games, threading, bean bag target game and we provided balloons and bats for everyone as well.Research has highlighted the benefits of children spending time with residents in care homes and indicate that intergenerational projects are beneficial to both older people, including those living with dementia, and to children.Research has shown that the excitement of seeing the world through younger eyes can get older adults 'up and doing,' increasing wellbeing, encouraging activity and improving health.The children also benefit too and enjoy having someone who listens and gives them their undivided attention as well as perhaps learning something new together.We can definitely vouch for this with our residents. It’s great to see the different generations interacting and most of all having fun and enjoying spending time together.Already we can see bonds forming and the children greet our residents with a huge big smile. We are so pleased at the positive reactions and comments we have got from everyone involved.
Lyndsey Dixon, Home Manager commented:“The children have made such a huge impact on our residents and we can see the positive benefits the visits are having with them and within our home. I am so glad that we are working with and supported by members of our local community.”“Both the pupils and residents keep talking about this activity and were very excited to learn it is going to be a regular event leading up to Christmas.”
As part of the relationship that is growing, we are delighted that the children have invited our residents and members of the team from Whittington House to their school to watch their nativity which we are very excited at attending. We will be joining them in December for this outing which will we know will get us all in the festive spirit.Do come back and check our news stories for further updates on other events and activities we hold here at our home.Whittington House Nursing Home in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire is a modern, purpose-built home and provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 66 people.If you would like to find out more about life at Whittington House, or would like to speak to a member of our team, please contact us on 0808 223 5396 or [email protected].