How Can Children Interact With Residents In Care Homes - Ardtully Care Home
Children and care home residents might seem worlds apart, but when they come together, remarkable things can happen.

Intergenerational interactions can be transformative for everyone involved. From storytelling to shared hobbies, children can connect with a completely different generation while bringing care home residents joy and companionship.

But how do you make these connections meaningful? What activities can create real engagement?

How Can Children Interact with Residents in Care Homes?

Believe it or not, kids can interact with the older generation in many meaningful ways, such as:

  • Reading books to residents or listening to their life stories.
  • Collaborating on fun art projects or making seasonal decorations.
  • Singing, playing instruments or sharing favourite music.
  • Playing board games, card games or working together to complete puzzles.
  • Planting flowers, painting flower pots or tending to a garden.
  • Participating in holiday activities or special milestones.
  • Baking and decorating cupcakes or cookies together.

In more detail:

Storytelling

Children can bring their favourite books to read aloud and care home residents often love the opportunity to share stories from their own lives. Whether it’s tales of childhood adventures or memories of yesteryears, these exchanges are full of laughter, curiosity and heartfelt connections. According to a United for All Ages study, intergenerational activities like storytelling allow young ones to improve their reading skills while learning something completely new.

Getting Creative Together

Craft projects are one of the easiest ways to engage hands and minds, regardless of age. Residents and child visitors can team up to make seasonal decorations, paint rocks for a garden or make handmade cards. The activity doesn’t have to be complicated — it’s the shared experience that counts. It can turn into a space for chatting, sharing ideas and admiring each other’s creations. Programs like ‘Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds’ have shown how creative activities can strengthen intergenerational bonds while boosting self-esteem for kids and residents alike.

Music and Songs

Music has a way of bringing people together and it actually works wonders in care homes. Children can sing songs, play instruments or even teach residents a simple dance move or two. On the flip side, residents can share music from their own generation, which is usually an eye-opener for the younger ones. A sing-along to classic tunes or nursery rhymes can be a joyful way to connect and even a mini-performance by kids can light up a room.

How Can Children Interact With Residents In Care Homes - Ardtully Care Home

Gardening

Media, like the BBC, have highlighted how gardening projects bring happiness, patience and joy to children’s lives. Coupling this activity with intergenerational connections can improve the well-being of residents while teaching children many valuable life skills. They can also plant flowers, water pots or decorate plant containers together. For kids, it’s also an opportunity to learn about plants and gardening from a generation that often has plenty of green-thumb wisdom to share.

Games and Puzzles

Simple board games like Connect Four or card games like Snap! are easy for everyone to enjoy together. Jigsaws are another great option, as working as a team to complete a puzzle encourages more conversation and a shared sense of achievement. There’ll be laughter, bonding and a little friendly competition that everyone can enjoy.

Celebrating Events

Care homes are jam-packed with celebrations which encourage social interactions and boost well-being. Special occasions are wonderful opportunities for kids and residents to bond. Whether decorating a Christmas tree, carving pumpkins for Halloween or baking cakes for a birthday, care homes can create a festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Children bring energy and excitement, while residents often have traditions and lovely stories tied to these celebrations that they’re eager to share.

Cooking or Baking

Children visiting a care home can help residents decorate treats and assemble sandwiches or simple treats like fruit kebabs. The activity is hands-on and fun and often leads to delicious results that everyone can enjoy. For residents, it’s a chance to share recipes or techniques while kids get to learn and explore a new skill.

The Power of Intergenerational Interactions

The beauty of intergenerational interactions is how natural they feel once you get started. A small effort, like a visit, a shared game or a conversation, can mean the world to elderly residents in a home. So why not give it a try? You might just be surprised by the smiles, bonds and memories you help create.

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