A preschool in a nursing home isn’t something you hear about every day. In fact, this idea is not standard, but definitely an idea that should be considered in communities around the country. The Intergenerational Learning Center is a child care program located in Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle.
The kids come together with the residents of the home and participate in activities like art, music, dancing, lunch, and much more. According to the program website here are some of the benefits for both generations involved in this program.
The ILC offers children opportunities:
- To learn about the normal aging process;
- To accept people with disabilities;
- To be involved with people who are two or three generations apart;
- To become part of an extended family;
- To help them reduce their fear of older adults; and
- To receive and give unconditional and unbounded love and attention.
In addition, residents and program participants benefit from:
- Frequent interaction with children throughout their day;
- 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;
- An opportunity to transfer knowledge; and
- The ability to serve as role models.
Check out the video below to get a glimpse into the day of children who attend the ILC. The film, Present Perfect, will show the experiences of growing up and growing old. It will show the children interacting with elderly residents and inspires us to to take care of our young and old citizens.
