This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links.
Did you get a chance to read last Saturday’s post? It highlights 6 organizations that offer creative opportunities for senior care community residents and young people to connect. I hope the article inspired you to develop more intergenerational programs at your facility.
Today let’s look at 5 more unique programs. Please click on the links to contact each organization directly for more information.
Transform the Experience of Aging
Kendal at Oberlin in Ohio has won many prestigious awards for their intergenerational programming. Most noteworthy are the many opportunities available for residents (called grandfriends) to volunteer in the on-site Early Learning Center. You might find them:
- reading to the children
- swimming together at the Kendal pool
- joining the children on field trips
- providing 1:1 support to students in the preschool curriculum
A unique aspect of Kendal at Oberlin is a house owned by the facility where students from the local college can live. They work at the care community in exchange for room and board. Music and art therapy students from the college also volunteer with the residents.
In addition, residents can audit college classes at no cost. The care center also provides transportation so residents can enjoy attending college music performances and other activities.
Kendal at Oberlin offers a free e-book you can download to learn more. (While this e-book is a promotional item for the care community, it also provides a lot of helpful information about intergenerational programming.)
Choir of Ages
A group in Donegal, Ireland wanted to bring different generations together to develop friendships and share their love of music. This led to the formation of a Choir of Ages.
Participants in the choir include children, teens, and seniors over the age of 55. The choir welcomes people with physical and mild cognitive disabilities.
Besides singing together, participants enjoy social activities. In addition, the program includes an exercise component in the form of choreography.
The group meets regularly for practice sessions, and they’ve also presented several public concerts. This included a 2018 appearance with the famous Irish musician, Daniel O’Donnell.
I hope you’ll take a look at this lovely video to see an example of the Choir of Ages in action. For more information, please contact the Donegal County Council: mairead.cranley@donegalcoco.ie
Hebrew Senior Life
I must tell you that I was astounded by the enormous number of intergenerational opportunities offered by this senior care provider. Located in Massachusetts, Hebrew Senior Life provides care at 9 different sites.
While I can’t possibly describe all of them here, these are just a few of their more unusual programs:
- Resident mentors help students prepare for an annual science fair
- Several schools participate in a Student Talent Showcase for the residents
- Students participate in learning sessions with Holocaust survivors
- Harvard University students provide 1:1 visits through Alzheimer’s Buddies
- Children of staff can attend day camp activities
- An on-site school serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade
- 3rd-graders enjoy becoming pen-pals with residents
Please check out this 3-minute video for an overview of their unique programs.
The Great Friendship Link
Sunshine Care Homes in California form partnerships with an extensive variety of youth groups. These include schools & colleges, 4-H clubs, scouting programs, dance troupes, and homeschooling families.
What’s impressive about this organization is the way they incorporate intergenerational activities into a memory care setting. These include a garden club, senior buddies, and special events such as dances, ice cream socials, and Grandparents Day.
This video showcases the Great Friendship Link. While it was produced a few years old, it still captures the spirit of this excellent program.
Joining Generations
In Pennsylvania, students from Thiel College team up with residents from St. Paul’s, a continuing care community. Their “Joining Generations” program focusses on three main intergenerational components: internships, academics, student service.
These are just a few examples of their many options:
- Students and residents attend community outings together
- Residents audit classes at the college
- Students help residents learn about computers
- The facility offers internships in several professions (social services, accounting, marketing, spiritual services, etc.)
- Residents and students enjoy crafts and hobbies together
- Students entertain residents with music programs
- Residents give class presentations in their areas of expertise
- Students host special events for residents (Hawaiian Luau, Trivia Night, Glamour Photos, etc.)
A unique feature of Joining Generations is the presence of a student liaison for each school year. This student helps link the needs and interests of the residents with the requests and class requirements of the students.
Does your senior care community offer a unique intergenerational program? I would love to share it with my readers. Please leave a note in the comment section, or you can email me: NursingHomeVolunteer@gmail.com
Leave a Reply