St. Benedict’s Health Center Intergenerational Program

St. Benedict’s Health Center Intergenerational Program

The residents at St. Benedict’s Health Center look forward to Wednesdays for one reason: the intergenerational activity. St. Benedict’s Intergenerational Program brings the residents and the children from the connected daycare together. The daycare is located within walking distance of the nursing home. The children come over once a week to do activities, such as playing with blocks, puzzles, or doing art projects with the residents. On special occasions, the children perform for the residents by singing or helping them with tasks. The residents enjoy doing puzzles the most with the children.

When the children walk across the yard to the nursing home, the residents wait with anticipation. A few of them even say, “Here they come!” with such excitement. The activity director asked the residents what they thought the children were going to bring today and they said, “Puzzles, we hope.” During one of their activities, the children brought blocks. Some of the residents like to interact by playing with the blocks beside the children. Other residents enjoy watching the children play.

One of the residents reminded one of the little boys to say “thank you” when he borrowed a block from another boy. A male resident commented about the children, “the kids have a good time, that’s good.” The children enjoy bringing things to play with. One of the little boys said, “we get to bring toys over to play with.” The residents had very nice things to say about the children and the company they bring. When the activity coordinator asked if the activity was fun, all the residents said in unison, “yes!” When the children interact with the residents they bring joy and fun activities. The residents also give back to the children by sharing their company and providing guidance.

Story by: Shaina Dolechek