School reception children from Canford Heath Infant School enjoyed a visit recently from the manager of Magna Care Home, sparking the start of an intergenerational relationship between old and young generations.
The reception classes at the local school have been learning about ‘people that help us’ and invited local care home manager, Kayleigh, to make a visit to the school to educate them as to what being a nurse is all about.
Kayleigh said: “The children seemed to really enjoy my visit. I managed to demonstrate how to put on bandages using Pluto the teddy, gave a talk about using a stethoscope and spoke about the history of Florence Nightingale. I received a card to say thank you for visiting the school which was lovely!
“As part of my visit, we gifted each child with a ‘when I am big, I will be’ colouring book that had a friendship note included, uniquely written by our home’s residents for the children to discover. The intention is to spark a pen-pal scheme as we think it is an ideal way to increase engagement between our local school children and our residents, as intergenerational relationships bring lots of benefits.”
Having the chance to entertain or impart knowledge can give older people a greater sense of purpose. The residents are delighted at the prospect of receiving written communication and will relish replying. Having a young pen friend to correspond with offers many benefits to the elderly. Writing stimulates regions of the brain responding to visual cues, physical activity, and conscious thought.
The relationship works both ways and the teachers at Canford are thrilled to have the opportunity to be able to show their pupils the time old skill in letter writing. Miss Gale, EYFS Year Leader at Canford said: “They absolutely loved listening all about your [Kayleigh] role. Thank you again for coming into school and for their lovely colouring books. I have made it a whole school activity, as I think all children would really love to have a ‘pen-pal’. Each class has been given 1 or 2 of your residents to respond to.”
Magna Care Home provides residential and nursing care on a permanent or short stay basis. If you are looking for a care home and want to find out more about our home call freephone 0808 223 5541.
