Toddlers and elderly both benefit from joint play
TEESSIDE toddlers and elderly care home residents are taking part in mutually beneficial intergenerational sessions. Drawing, dancing, singing and chatting brought together the youngsters at Busy Bees Nursery, in Thornaby, with residents from Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick. The youngsters, aged three and four years old, gave a warm welcome to the care home’s two visiting residents, Joyce Muir, 83, and Moira Hall, 79. Despite the age difference between the groups, both have benefitted from spending time in each other’s company, which has included several previous sessions at both the nursery and care home. Kelly Nicholson, manager at Busy Bees Nursery, said: “We have one very shy, quiet little boy. When our friends from Ingleby Care Home came over, he came right out of his shell. “He was sat talking to Moira on the cushion, who started to bring him out of his comfort zone by chatting away, and then in no time he was taking Joyce over to the drawing board and they were chatting away on what to draw. “He then ended the day of their visit by getting up dancing and singing away with Joyce. Staff couldn’t believe how much he had responded to the ladies and how different he was around them compared to how he is with his nursery friends.” Kirsty Walsh, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, said: “We’ve had several sessions with Busy Bees Nursery now and they’re always a lot of fun for both our residents and the children. “This year, sessions have included pancake making and tossing as well as a sensory session, and we’re planning a picnic in the park later this year. “Residents always enjoy spending time with them. Their energy and enthusiasm rubs off on the residents, who always come away smiling and full of life. “We’re delighted to hear the sessions are having such a positive impact on the children as well and looking forward to further activities throughout the year.” Ingleby Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Hospital tombola helps care home raise funds for charity
CARE home staff are continuing to raise hundreds of pounds for stroke survivors and their families – as part of a year-long fundraising campaign. A tombola at the University Hospital of North Tees was run by staff from The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Stockton-on-Tees. Deputy manager Rachel Harris and activities coordinator Jess Roth manned the stand, selling tickets and giving away prizes including scented candles and toiletries. Alongside a coffee morning at the home, this has added another £97 to the £660 total the home has already raised for the Stroke Association throughout last year. Previous events included a supermarket bag pack, cake sale and sponsored walk. Rachel said: “We’d like to thank North Tees Hospital for allowing us to run our tombola for the Stroke Association. “We had a lot of interested and raised a good amount of money for the charity. Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and congratulations to the lucky prize winners.” The Beeches Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Paints and playdough for intergenerational sensory session
PAINTING and playdough gave elderly care home residents a new lease of life when they visited a nursery in Stockton-on-Tees. Residents from Ingleby Care Home were at Busy Bees Nursery,Myton Road, Thornaby, for an intergenerational sensory session with the children. The youngsters, all aged two to four years, showed residents how to build sandcastles and make pizzas out of playdough, broccoli, asparagus and red lentils. They also played with toys in the pond and painted on a clingfilm canvas using brushes and their hands. Resident Shirley Naylor, 84, said: “I loved having little Heidi on my knee dancing away.” Margaret Salmon, 93, said: “It was lovely. It really brightened my day.” Moira Hall, 76, added: “I don’t want to go home, I’m having so much fun.” Carol Singleton, home manager at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick, said: “The residents always thoroughly enjoy it when the children come to visit us at the care home. “They were all really looking forward to going to the nursery this time, to see the children and take part in a sensory day. “Everyone had a lot of fun and didn’t want to leave at the end. We are planning a picnic in the park with the children later in the year, so we can’t wait to see them again.” Ingleby Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Mayor serves new year tea party for Peterlee elderly
A MAYORAL afternoon tea was enjoyed by residents from a Peterlee care home. Town Mayor Councillor Scott Meikle invited residents from Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way, to the annual over 60s new year tea party. Hot drinks and snacks were served throughout the event, at Shotton Hall, while the visitors enjoyed entertainment, bingo and a raffle. Dawn Minto, activities coordinator at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, said: “We have been attending the Mayor’s new year afternoon tea for over 10 years. “It is a highlight of our calendar in January and the residents always look forward to it. “The event was very well organised and everyone had a great time. We’d like to say a big thank you to Mayor Councillor Scott Meikle for the invitation.” Bannatyne Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Youngsters sing for elderly on UN Children’s Day
NURSERY children have been entertaining elderly care home residents as part of the United Nations Universal Children’s Day. Youngsters from Orchard Day Nursery, in Huyton, near Liverpool, put on a singing show at nearby Aaron Grange Care Home. The home’s residents and staff enjoyed the performance and joined in with many of the songs. Clare Richards, home manager at Aaron Grange Care Home, on Blacklow Brow, Huyton, said: “There were lots of sing-along songs and the residents thoroughly enjoyed it. “They’re all looking forward to the children visiting again and getting involved with arts and crafts, reading, board games and other fun activities.” The UN Universal Children’s Day is celebrated each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. Aaron Grange Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
