Support across generations for Burnside residents

In a feel-good program that is bridging generational divides, this initiative in Kensington Gardens is helping bond young and old members of the community.

As an intergenerational program, this initiative seeks to build strong, cross-generational bonds by bringing together residents of Estia Health Kensington Gardens and students from Kensington Gardens Preschool Centre. With the support from facilitators SA Montessori, the program creates opportunities for meaningful interactions and relationship-building in a structured and supportive environment.

With their close proximity on either side of Kensington Road, the pairing is a natural fit. Two groups of students take turns visiting the aged care facility throughout the year, spending time with residents and forming connections.

Kensington Gardens Preschool Centre Director, Melissa Quartuccio said the guidance provided by SA Montessori had been invaluable and that the children had been thriving with a new sense of community.

‘It can be difficult to build the initial connections. The City of Burnside has been essential in getting this off the ground. We couldn’t have done this without them,’ Melissa said.

‘The kids really love being able to interact with older people. We have a lot of children who are new arrivals, so they don’t have their grandparents around - they love the interaction and the one-on-one time.’

Facilitators SA Montessori were engaged through the City of Burnside, who funded their inclusion in the program through a partnership agreement. Consultant with SA Montessori Jessica Langford said other communities had implemented this type of engagement with great success and the organisation hoped these types of programs would become the norm moving forward.

‘The benefits of intergenerational engagement are becoming a lot more widespread,’ Jessica said. ‘There are benefits that perfectly align for both groups and those that are separate. The beauty of this is that it benefits both. Both groups get the positivity around the connection, friendship, communication, and positive interaction.’

‘In long-term intergenerational programs, we see a correlated reduction in the decline of cognitive abilities, including those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. When engaged in programs like this, the rate of decline is much slower than in those who are not.

‘It can be challenging in a residential aged care environment to get everyone engaged. There’s something about having the children there with their energy and enthusiasm that encourages you to get involved. The kids don’t let you sit back and watch.’

Known lovingly within the program as ‘grand friends,’ the residents have been enjoying the opportunity to engage with the students and break up their usual routines.

Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator at Estia Health Kensington Gardens, Sonisha said the program was igniting passion for the residents, which had been on display during the sessions.

‘This program has been something they are really looking forward to and gives opportunities to residents who do not usually come to other activities. Some of the less social residents can be overwhelmed by activities, but not with the children. They really look forward to days like this,’ Sonisha said.

One resident who has certainly had their passion ignited is grandmother of six and former high school home economics teacher, Pat, who said the program had already had an impact on residents, herself included, and especially on some of the older members.

‘It puts a smile on their face,’ Pat said.

Wheelchair-bound, Pat said many of the children had never interacted with someone in a wheelchair before. They eagerly approached her with questions, which she used as conversation starters and educational moments.

‘Most of the kids here seem to be really involved in what they’re doing. If you look around, there isn’t a sad face, and there is no one who doesn’t want to be here.

‘I’m looking at going across the road to the Preschool and doing volunteering, just to get me out of here and stimulate me a bit more.’