27 October 2017 – Media Release
Sadly 40 per cent of people in aged care homes never get visitors, Federal Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt revealed this week. But a Cumberland Council Children’s Centre is helping reduce the loneliness experienced by many in aged care, by encouraging children to get outdoors and into their local community.
It’s win-win when the kids of the Holroyd Children’s Centre visit a neighbouring nursing home for a morning of craft, games and fun.
Since May 2016 the Centre’s “Intergenerational Program” has facilitated monthly visits, alternating between five elderly residents to the local childcare centre or a small delegation of nine children (two babies, two toddlers and five pre-schoolers) to the local nursing home.
Centre Director of the Holroyd Children’s Centre, Adela Tamayo-Altinbas said the program was as popular with children as it was with the elderly residents.
“Many of our children don’t have grandparents. They might be living overseas or don’t live at home with them. The children really enjoy it,” Ms Tamayo-Altinbas said.
“At the nursing home it’s had a great impact. On the day the children visit the residents are up early and getting prepared.”
“One aged care worker told me a story of a woman whose entire outlook has changed. She used to be grumpy but thanks to this program, she’s much happier.”
Ms Tamayo-Altinbas wasn’t surprised by the sad statistic Mr Wyatt shared with the National Press Club.
“For elderly residents the program is very rewarding. They might have grandkids but they don’t visit,” Ms Tamayo-Altinbas said.
“The idea for the program came out of a strategic planning meeting. We wanted the children to have more opportunities to get out into the community.
“Many of the children live in high density housing or are from working families and in care from 7am to 5pm. Their opportunities to get out are limited.
“This is why we organise outings for them when they are in our care. We take them to the library, to the Merrylands Community Gardens and to a local nursing home among other places.”
For more information please contact Cumberland Council’s Children’s Services on 8757 9000 or email council@cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
