Resident activity & engagement


of the most age-integrated nations on earth to its mirror opposite. Historically, young and old connected naturally. Close daily contact between the young


and old was a matter of survival. Being with, watching after, and assisting in the care of young children, while demanding in many ways, does not require the full vigour of youth. The physical limitations that can come with getting older actually cement the relationship between old and young. The physiological changes that accompany old age, which contemporary society looks upon with great disdain, can actually be useful preconditions for valuable intergenerational connections. So, how can we turn things around?


How can we uncover new ways to do old things, to rediscover the joys of intergenerational connection?


Embracing change Despite recent events, it is important to understand that keeping our distance does not mean we cannot communicate and connect with people on a regular basis. We need to be creative with our approach to connection to maintain the art and heart of conversation. Sharing the events of lived experience


with the loved ones we live with and those who matter to us, as well as being able to create new meaningful memories, should be facilitated and encouraged. Change can bring innovation and widely accessible technology can be seamlessly integrated into care environments nowadays. The stereotype that older generations


are not adept in using smart tech is quite untrue (many younger generations are not necessarily adept, and this is a pure stereotype!) and many people are proficient in using tablets and smartphones. Those who are not tech- savvy can easily be taught or those in their care can set up calls with loved ones for them.


Video conference applications such as


WhatsApp, Zoom and Skype can be very helpful in facilitating intergenerational relationships. They also bring the added benefit of being able to see, hear and feel in real-time to the person on the other end of the device. Particularly for those people living with


dementia, the use of modern technology can bring a sense of familiarity, recognition, and calmness. Being able to


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regularly communicate with the younger generation can create connectedness and meaning through relationships. With that said, the positive impact


of intergenerational relationships was something we were desperate to implement and utilise to our advantage at Foxholes. The pen pal scheme is an outstanding initiative and enables two different generations to connect, share and enjoy each other’s stories. Following a year of social distancing and isolating, it was touching to reignite that pre-existing bond.


Theresa Lowe, a teacher at Hitchin


Girls’ School, hailed the pen pal project as a success, saying: “It has been a pleasure to be involved with Foxholes’ pen pal scheme. Students across all age groups have really enjoyed reading the letters from residents and writing back. We look forward to continuing the project in the future.”


Conclusion Friendships, especially those formed from our school days, are sacred, and the same is true for care homes. We wanted to remind the younger generation how important it is to preserve these friendships and wanted to offer them the chance to learn from our inspiring residents. Every resident has lived a full, eventful life with an array of knowledge and wisdom to share. It becomes clear, then, that if we, as


a sector, are serious about improving the lives and overall wellbeing of our residents, then we must rewrite our narrative and continue to utilise the power of intergenerational relationships in care facilities across the country. If we start by acknowledging the


Neil Gandecha


Neil Gandecha is the estate manager at Foxholes care home, a residential care home set in 18 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, surrounded by grazing horses and an abundance of wildlife. A family-run business, Neil has been working in the care sector for over ten years, following an eight-year career in the finance sector in London. Neil is passionate about designing spaces that enhance quality of life in residential care, and has spent his time at Foxholes creating an environment where residents have thrived in comfort and luxury since 2012.


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • December 2021


simplest of meaningful connections, it can make a tremendous difference to someone’s daily experiences.


References 1. McLeod, S., Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, Simply Psychology, 2018 https://www. simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html.


2. Senior Lifestyle, The Fun and Value of Intergenerational Programming, https:// www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/ fun-value-intergenerational-programming/.


TCHE


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