Resident activity & engagement


Intergenerational friendships for care home residents


Neil Gandecha, estate manager at Foxholes care home, explains how the power of intergenerational friendships can enhance the lives of those residing in care homes


It is clear that the social care sector has been disrupted immeasurably throughout an unprecedented period. This disruption was, out of necessity, with the primary objective to fight the unseen yet deadly coronavirus for the best part of a year and a half. It has certainly heightened our sense


of grief and, at times, has seen us lose touch with reality, which has forced us to ask fundamental questions of humanity. From this, we have learnt just how important it is that we remain connected with society as humanly as possible. Social distancing, shielding, self-


isolation and the introduction of mask-wearing formed all-new defining characteristics to our society. It came at a gargantuan cost where, for the sake of protecting others, we had to shield our real selves for a substantial period of time. In fact, such devotion to the protection


of others had the potential to alter relationships. If we were not careful, our once ‘temporary’ reality was at risk of defining a new norm. For a person living with dementia, such a reality can be downright frightening. That is why the power of igniting


intergenerational friendships for those


residing in care homes has become an invaluable tool in protecting integral and fundamental aspects of our society.


Taking down barriers Age segregation has become the norm in the UK today. We divide up our communities and our activities by age. Young people are in schools, older people tend to reside in care homes, while young and middle-aged adults tend to cluster at offices and work sites. As a result, there is little interaction between generations. Even our neighbourhoods are predominantly young or old. Yet relationships between the elderly and the younger generations have the


Residents can help provide the younger generation with invaluable insight on how to develop character and build social skills, which will facilitate emotional support through empathy in later years


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power to enable care home residents to feel connected in several ways. It enables them to feel linked, not only to each other but also to something bigger, to the past and future. Thus, this connection leads to many benefits for all generations. According to Erik Erikson, one of


the first psychologists to describe social development across a lifetime, connections between youth and the elderly can give a sense of fulfilment.1 Intergenerational relationships,


therefore, have the power to invigorate and energise the older generation, and help reduce the risk of depression and loneliness. Moreover, these relationships can also aid cognitive stimulation and provide an opportunity for residents to learn new skills.


Integrated activities Many activities help build and strengthen intergenerational relationships - storytelling, talking about backgrounds and cultures and sharing social customs - which helps keep family stories and cherished memories alive. Reading to


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • December 2021


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