Foster children have been spending time with care home residents as part of a scheme to bring young and elderly together.
The children from fostering agency Team Fostering have been visiting Broadacres Care Home, in Rotherham, as part of the initiative.
They spent several hours with the residents over the festive period and the home has invited them back for future events and activities.
The young and elderly played board games, pass the parcel, read poems and books together, performed songs and took part in a quiz.
Resident Iris Oldfield, 89, said: “I don’t have a young family so I was absolutely delighted to spend time with the young children.”
Julie Eveleigh, interim manager at Broadacres Care Home, on Naylor Street, said: “Team Fostering approached us to bring the children in to entertain our residents.
“They put on a buffet and kept the residents company with games, music and dancing.
“The experience had huge benefits for both the residents and children and we’re hoping there will be many more visits in future.”
Steve Elliff, education and support service manager for Team Fostering, said: “Team Fostering set up the volunteers programme in order to help young people develop skills and gain new experiences, which will be useful for future employment.
“Our young people showed interest in supporting older people, which led us to contacting Broadacres Care Home.
“On the day, they showed a lot of enthusiasm for putting on a good party and engaging with the older people.
“They all worked extremely hard and took a lot away from the experience.”
Broadacres Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Team Fostering is an independent not for profit fostering agency. For further information visit www.teamfostering.co.uk.
