Two local care services are doing their part to forge intergenerational relationships one playdate at a time.
Children from Wiggles and Giggles Preschool visited residents at Anglicare’s Lemongrove Gardens aged care home on Monday, July 14 for a lesson in empathy, community and friendship.
“Our residents love being a part of the community and helping the kids out,” explained Linda Morley, the lifestyle coordinator for Lemongrove Gardens.
“They like contributing to the kids’ social skills and stepping into the role of a grandparent for those who don’t have any.
“These visits create a happy environment, brings the place to life, and gets residents out of their rooms. It’s not just an activity; it’s a purpose and it’s very meaningful.”
Educator at Wiggles and Giggles, Brooke Hinchcliffe, told the Weekender that students gain a lot from these social activities.
“Having the children experience different parts of the community and who’s in it gives them an understanding of how to interact with others and that we all have different capabilities which we have to adjust to,” Hinchcliffe stated.
“When we’re interacting with the residents here, they’re learning to use softer voices or to speak up to be a bit louder to connect with them.
“It’s also just a bit of positivity for residents living here so they can see some new friendly faces and have some activity time and bring them a bit of joy.”
One resident who enjoyed the day was Pat, who we found colouring in with Mila.
“It brightens your day,” Pat said.
“I had a little girl paint me a picture in the last visit, and when someone came to collect it, she said, ‘No, that’s for Pat’.”
These unlikely friendships create wholesome conversations and valuable educational experiences.
“It’s interesting to listen to them, and it’s a lovely day,” Morley concluded as a child’s laugh rang in the background.
“They’re laughing and having a great time.
“There’s a lot of love and acceptance.”
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.