Here at Coombe End Court, we've opened our doors to local childminders and their young charges to give both the children and our residents the chance to spend time together. We started the programme in January, and it has snowballed in that time, with a large group of childminders and children now visiting us every other Tuesday. 

This project was the brainchild of our brilliant Activities Co-ordinator, Siobhan. “I often bring my own young children into the home to visit the residents, and see the joy that brings, so I really wanted to expand the opportunities we offer for the residents to spend time with children. The residents love chatting to the little ones and seeing them play,” said Siobhan.

Many studies show the benefits of meaningful intergenerational interactions, in particular between older people and very young children. A recent study from the National Institute of Health summarises the benefits to both children and older people of spending time together. For older people, these include an increased feeling of wellbeing, confidence and self-worth, as well as various cognitive benefits including kindling memories. For children, benefits include improved communication skills and a more positive view of the aging process. 

One of the childminders, Anne, has been visiting Coombe End Court with her youngsters once a fortnight since February. “The children get so much from the experience. They get to spend time with each other and build friendships, and the home supplies lots of brilliant toys for them to play with. 

“They also gain so much from connecting to the older generation. Some of them don’t have the opportunity to see their own grandparents very often, so spending time with older people is really special for them.”

It’s not only the childminders and children who love the visits, but our residents too. Through these visits, resident Brenda has had the opportunity of getting to know her great granddaughter. “I love it when the children come to visit,” said Brenda. “They play so nicely together. My great granddaughter didn’t really know me before, so this has been very special for me. It does them so much good to play with other little ones too.”

Thanks so much to all our lovely child minders for bringing the children in to visit!