Changing Perspectives

The Starting Point – Overcoming Scepticism

When first approached about introducing funded intergenerational sessions into their care home, one Activity Coordinator openly admitted they didn’t think it was for their residents. They said they have had the children visit at Christmas and Easter time and the children always seemed so shy and didn’t really interact with residents.

Despite their reservations, they agreed to give it a go as a one-off session, with an open mind and a willingness to see whether it would benefit their residents and be different from previous visits.

What happened next completely changed their perspective.

The Turning Point – Seeing the Magic Happen

During that very first session, the Activity Coordinator witnessed something they hadn’t anticipated: the children actively engaging and interacting with the residents. They realised that the structure of the sessions ensured that children, residents and staff all had a meaningful role to play throughout their time together. This created a shared sense of purpose, encouraged interaction and resulted in much higher levels of engagement from everyone involved.

Residents who might ordinarily sit quietly became animated and engaged. They began asking the children questions, singing familiar songs together, smiling, laughing and sharing spontaneous moments of connection.

The children's natural curiosity, energy and playfulness brought out a different side to the older adults. Conversations flowed, barriers disappeared and residents came to life through simple, meaningful interactions.

By the end of the session, the Activity Coordinator was completely won over. Seeing the impact first-hand had achieved something that no amount of explanation or persuasion could have done.

Building Momentum – From One Session to Something Bigger

What began as a tentative one-off experience has since developed into a thriving programme of funded intergenerational sessions within the home.

With each session, more residents have been drawn into the lounge to participate. The atmosphere has become increasingly welcoming, lively and inclusive, with singing, laughter and shared experiences becoming something residents can look forward to.

The benefits have also extended beyond the residents themselves.

Care home staff, initially going about their daily responsibilities, have begun popping their heads into sessions and staying for five or ten minutes to join in, singing ‘She’ll be coming round the mountain’ as they pass through the room! These brief moments offer opportunities to smile, sing, connect and experience some joy during what can often be demanding and emotionally challenging working days.

The sessions have become more than an activity for residents. They are positively influencing the atmosphere and wellbeing of the wider care home community.

The Ripple Effect – Empowering the Activity Coordinator

Perhaps one of the most significant and unexpected outcomes has been the transformation in the Activity Coordinator's own confidence, enthusiasm and approach to their role. Since experiencing the success of the intergenerational sessions, they have become increasingly proactive in exploring new opportunities for residents.

They have embraced additional activities within the home and supported residents to attend community events and experiences organised beyond the care home setting. Where there was once uncertainty about whether an activity would work, there is now a greater willingness to try something different, take opportunities and explore what is possible.

The experience has encouraged a shift in mindset, from making assumptions about what an activity might be like, what residents might enjoy or be capable of participating in, to giving them the opportunity to experience it and decide for themselves.

This has opened the door to further meaningful experiences, greater community involvement and more opportunities for residents to remain connected to life beyond the care home.

The Wider Impact

The positive outcomes have reached far beyond those originally anticipated.

For residents:

- Increased social interaction, engagement and participation.
- Opportunities to build meaningful connections with younger generations.
- Improved mood, enjoyment and opportunities for playful expression.
- Greater access to activities and community experiences outside of the home.

For children:
- Opportunities to develop confidence, empathy and communication skills.
- Meaningful relationships with older generations.
- Shared learning, joy and a sense of belonging.

For care home staff:
- Moments of connection and enjoyment during busy working days.
- Positive shared experiences with residents outside routine care tasks.
- Increased awareness of the wider benefits of creative and intergenerational engagement.

For the Activity Coordinator:
- Renewed enthusiasm, confidence and motivation.
- A more open-minded approach to planning and delivering activities.
- Greater willingness to explore new partnerships and opportunities.
- A stronger belief in what residents can achieve and enjoy when given the opportunity.

Conclusion – One Opportunity, Lasting Change

This case study demonstrates that the impact of funding intergenerational activities extends well beyond the sessions themselves.

What started with one sceptical Activity Coordinator agreeing to try something new has grown into a positive shift in the culture of activities and engagement within the home. The initial investment has not only created meaningful experiences for older people and children but has also inspired staff, strengthened community connections and empowered an Activity Coordinator to think differently about what is possible for their residents.

Sometimes, the greatest impact isn't simply the activity we deliver, but the change in attitudes, confidence and ambition that continues long after the activity has finished.

By investing in opportunities that bring generations together, we are not just improving wellbeing in the moment. We are helping create care home environments where curiosity, connection and possibility can continue to grow.