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Intergenerational interaction at Fernbees

MEN Article: Care home residents hail nursery for making them ‘feel alive again’

At Fernbees Day Nursery, located on the beautiful grounds of Fernlea Care Home, we believe in the power of connection across generations. Our unique environment allows nursery children and care home residents to interact regularly, fostering meaningful relationships that enrich the lives of everyone involved.

By fostering a nurturing environment where nursery children and care home residents can thrive together, we’re helping to create lasting memories that enrich lives and promote intergenerational understanding.

Outside of family life, most people do not have regular interaction with individuals from other generations, however, studies by major organisations find that interaction with the elderly has the potential to improve the long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children and significantly impact the physical and emotional wellbeing of the older generation.

The first few years of a child’s life are key to their learning and are fundamental to later life. Generations Working Together, a charity focusing on the promotion of intergenerational activity in Scotland, have found that intergenerational practice is an excellent way for young children to build key social skills.

If you are interested in a place for your child at Fernbees, we invite you to pay us a visit to see our heartwarming environment and witness the joy that comes from these beautiful connections first hand.

Here are a few of the benefits of intergenerational interaction:

Emotional Enrichment for All Ages

The relationships formed between our children and residents create a profound sense of belonging and emotional support. For residents, these interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, providing them with companionship and joy. Children benefit from this connection as well, gaining a sense of security, love, and acceptance

Kindness and Empathy

Kindness, integrity, and empathy are key values for children to develop in order to succeed in later life and intergenerational practice is an excellent way to help build these values. Our lives are shaped by the people we meet, and the interactions we have. Exposure to different people with different ability levels enables an understanding of being kind and helping others to be developed from a young age. With residents at Fernlea being a part of children’s daily lives, matters such as aging, disability, and health conditions become less ‘alien’ or ‘scary’ and can be the starting point for strong bonds to be formed between the generations.

Language and Comunication

Interaction with the elderly offers unique opportunities for children to develop their communication skills. With retired teachers, police officers, doctors, and more, the residents at Fernlea all have stories to tell! By interacting with the elderly, children are able to explore new perspectives and language grounded in the real world experiences held by the older generation. This exposure to new ideas, perspectives, and stories has been proven to improve children’s language, vocabulary, and communication skills

Learning Through Shared Stories

Storytelling is a cherished activity at Fernbees, where residents share their rich life experiences and wisdom with our children. These sessions ignite curiosity and imagination in children, while also allowing residents to reminisce and preserve their stories, creating a two-way exchange of knowledge and understanding.

Cognitive Stimulation for Residents

Interacting with energetic young minds provides cognitive stimulation for our residents. Engaging in playful activities, art projects, and group games encourages mental agility, boosts mood, and creates a vibrant atmosphere that uplifts everyone involved.

Building a Stronger Community

At Fernbees, we believe that when generations come together, our community becomes stronger and more connected. The bonds formed through shared experiences enhance relationships not only between the children and residents but also between families and staff, creating a supportive network that benefits everyone.
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Intergenerational Interaction at Fernbees

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Our Intergenerational Newsletter

Click here to view our November newsletter

For more information on intergenerational practice have a look at these resources:

Making the Case : Generations United
The Next Generation: United for All Ages
Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds short video: Channel 4
Mixing Matters : United for All Ages

Are you interested in sending your child to Fernbees?

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Testimonials

What the parents say...

We've seen some brilliant changes in our son since he started at Fernbees just a short while ago - especially in his confidence and speech. Even though he only goes two days a week, the staff treat him like one of their own. They're patient, fully child led and some of the kindest people you'll ever meet. Even though our son can be super shy and anxious, they take the time to support him through everything, they put a lot of effort into making sure he feels safe and secure with them. He has so much fun during his two days there and always gets giddy when we tell him it's a Fernbees day. We couldn't be happier with Fernbees and hugely recommend them!!

Honey Bees Parent

The level of care, interest and engagement from the staff towards our son is fantastic, he's thriving in this excellent setting.

Baby Bees Parent

Our daughter has just started at Fernbees - she’s settled in so well. It fills my heart when you pick her up and the manager is giving her big cuddles. She is already so loved, cared for and entertained in such a wonderful setting with a super team

Honey Bees Parent

Our little boy has come on leaps and bounds since starting at Fernbees. The staff have taken the time to really get to know my little boy and all his little ways. When I go to pick my little boy up and I see him through the glass doors just playing happily his face is alway beaming with a smile. We are so happy with our choice of nursery for our little boy, I would always recommend Fernbees

Baby Bees Parent

The environment is amazing for learning and development, they do a large variety of activities over the day including lots of outdoor time and use of the interactive station. The staff are so lovely and I can already see my little boy making lovely relationships with them all. The staff have all taken time to get to know him very well.

Baby Bees Parent