Woods Point Aged Care Home, service coordinator, Chandra Harris (standing) says both children and residents benefit from the program
From the moment the children arrive, smiles, laughter, and heartfelt connections fill the halls of Woods Point Aged Care Home as Year 6 students from Sacred Heart Primary School visit the residents.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The fortnightly intergenerational program, run by service coordinator Chandra Harris, is a highlight for both the children and the residential home.
“It's every second Friday and it's just beautiful; lots of play, lots of laughter, it's really about connection,” Ms Harris said.
“The visits give children the chance to connect with older generations and experience meaningful interactions they might not otherwise have.
“The children are very polite and engage with the residents in conversation easily.
“It’s wonderful to see these interactions forming bridges between generations.”
Sacred Heart’s Year 6 students visit the Woods Point Aged Care Home in Yarrawonga.
Each fortnight, a different grade visits, giving students the chance to engage with elderly residents in a variety of activities.
Mercy Place Yarrawonga Woods Point cares for 98 residents, approximately 70 per cent of whom live with dementia.
“Dementia is such a terrible, debilitating disease and quite challenging,” Ms. Harris said.
“We find that when residents communicate with the children, it can bring back memories and spark moments of joy.”
The benefits are clear for both.
The program sparks memories and brings joy into residents’ lives.
The program helps develop empathy, communication skills, and a sense of social responsibility in the children.
They gain emotional intelligence, confidence, and historical awareness as they learn from the life stories, skills, and experiences of the residents.
For the elderly, interactions with children alleviate feelings of isolation, stimulate cognitive and physical skills, and provide a renewed sense of purpose.
Resident, Ailsa said it was wonderful that the children made time to interact with old people, while another resident, Margo said it looked like the children love coming.
Community benefits are also evident as the program strengthens bonds between generations, promotes mutual respect, and encourages families to engage with aged care facilities.
Students like Willow Appleby from Sacred Heart especially enjoy the visits.
Willow’s mother works in administration at the facility, so she has had plenty of opportunities to interact with the residents and build special connections.
“I love helping with doing nails and just spending time with the residents,” Willow said.
Willow Appleby loves spending time with elderly residents.
Other groups that visit include Orr Street Kinder, Tricky Kids Kindy, Country Buddies Child Care, and local Irish dancers, all bringing their own joy and energy to the residents.
Weekly visits from the children breathe new life; through laughter, conversation, and connection, these intergenerational programs are making a difference, creating a cycle of joy, learning, and companionship.
The program strengthens bonds between generations and promotes mutual respect.
