Twice a month, residents from our Mount Martha Valley home in Safety Beach visit Green Leaves Early Learning Centre in Rosebud for fun and games with the children. These visits are a highlight for everyone involved, giving both generations the chance to connect and enjoy each other’s company.
Together the residents and children happily while away the time colouring in, reading books, creating arts and crafts, drawing and playing outdoors. The residents spend time with children ranging from 12 months to four years old and pop into different classrooms during each visit.
With his daughter attending Green Leaves, Noah Benton, Mount Martha Valley’s Lifestyle Coordinator, thought the partnership would be a wonderful way to bring young and old together, and he was right — the visits have been a hit, and the positive impact the children have on the residents is undeniable.
“The impact the visits have on our residents is, honestly, incredible,” says Noah. “They come back smiling, talking about the children they met, and sharing stories with other residents who weren’t able to attend. The excitement and happiness they bring back with them is something really special.
“I’ve seen residents laugh, cry, reminisce and completely light up during these visits. Even residents who struggle with their memory often remember the children and the experiences they’ve shared together.”
The visits have proved to be a wonderful opportunity, especially for residents who don’t have grandchildren of their own or who don’t get to see them very often, giving them the chance to share their affection and create special connections with the children they may miss in their lives. Likewise, those children who don’t have grandparents or extended family are also enriched through the experience.
As Noah says, “Bringing the residents and children together is such a simple idea, but it creates so much happiness for everyone involved. Watching these friendships form between people who are at completely different stages of life is something pretty special, and I’m so grateful we’ve been able to build that connection with Green Leaves.”
If you would like to learn more about our Mount Martha Valley home, visit: royalfreemasons.org.au/residential-aged-care/mount-martha-valley
