INPLACE CARE -
March 23, 2021

Intergenerational Care

Intergenerational Care facilities and programs – where older adults and children are brought together either for specific activities or entire childcare days – have been shown to have massive benefits for both groups.

Children receive additional supervision and guidance which improves their behaviour and learning outcomes. While older adults report feeling a renewed sense of purpose and meaning, improving confidence and self-esteem.

Additionally, where these programs take place, stereotypes within the wider community are challenged as older people fulfil a vital role across generations.

Overseas, intergenerational care is well established with the award-winning Intergenerational Learning Center in West Seattle a prime example. This facility homes 400 aged care residents and offers childcare five days a week.

They boast the following benefits:

For children

To accept people with disabilities
To be involved with people who are two or three generations apart
To receive and give unconditional and unbounded love and attention

For residents

Physical activity in playing with the children
Opportunities to play, laugh and enjoy the spirit and joy that children bring to their home environment
A renewed sense of self-worth

In Australia, several intergenerational programs are being trialled including the Grandfriends program in Sydney, the newly opened Maranatha Gunyah Intergenerational Learning Centre in Wellington, NSW and a brand-new facility currently under construction in Mornington, VIC.

InPlace Care offers carers and domestic assistants that can help support for those that are locked at home. Check the wide variety of services for the help and support you need to live a happy active life.