Promoting respect and reducing prejudice
Justine, Director at Blue Door Nursery and Out of School, says that visiting their friends at Lakeside House is a weekly highlight for the Blue Door children.
Justine says: “We are always looking for new experiences for the children and ways they can explore the world around them, especially in their local community. For a lot of young children it’s a new experience to discover a community of older people residing and socialising together whilst being cared for. Furthermore, for some young children without grandparents or with grandparents living far away, it’s an opportunity they wouldn't normally have.
“So the fact that they get to call them friends, interacting with them and learning about their life experiences has a massive impact on the children’s confidence, self-esteem, vocabulary and listening skills. Learning first-hand about historical events promotes respect and will hopefully reduce prejudices and negative stereotypes in future generations. Interacting with people with a range of impairments that have to be considered for certain activities fosters empathy, patience and a wider understanding of people's limitations.
“It's an invaluable life experience and one we hope they will carry with them throughout their lives. We're proud to have this partnership with Lakeside House, that has even sustained beyond the pandemic and we hope will continue for many more years.”
A breath of fresh air
Susan, Activities Co-ordinator at Lakeside House says that the weekly visits are looked forward to by everyone at the care home.
Susan says: “Having the children visit us from Blue Door is like a breath of fresh air flowing through the home.
“When the children first come they are quite timid and keep close to the nursery staff but by the end of the session they have built up the confidence to interact with the residents.
“Our residents love telling stories about their own childhood experiences. We play parachute games, Sleeping Lions and do drawing and colouring, dancing and lots more.
“The day-to-day challenges of the elderly residents are soon forgotten amongst the noise and fun that the children bring. Even the quietest resident will come out of their shell when interacting with the children”.
This week the RCN is joining Championing Social Care to celebrate care homes across Wales. Care Home Open Week 2024 is a valuable opportunity for care homes to open their doors to the local community, share more about what they do, and create lasting connections. RCN Wales is heading to care homes throughout the nation to join in the celebrations and shine a spotlight on the incredibly important work of nursing staff in care homes.
Join in the celebrations! Tag us in your photos on Facebook, Instagram and X. #CHOW24
