Genesis Day Care Nursery and Rosemary Care Home form surprising partnership

Genesis Day Care children at Rosemary Residential Care Home, Milnrow

Genesis Day Care Nursery for children and Rosemary Care Home for the elderly in Milnrow have formed a surprising partnership that is benefitting young and old alike.

Genesis Day Care Nursery kick-started the initiative to give some of its children a new educational experience that would see them improve communication skills and gain confidence.

'You are never too young or old to laugh and learn' has been the motto of both settings recently, with groups of children sharing games, sing-songs and laughter with elderly residents at Rosemary Care Home.

Children have been encouraged to take books, toys and musical instruments to the residential care home so that inter-generational activities can be enjoyed by everyone. The Genesis children visit every week to take part in different activities that will benefit both age groups.

The sound of nursery rhymes and old-time favourites has filled the rooms as children and residents have taught each other new songs, danced and learned actions.

In some cases new friendships have been formed, with children happy to sit with residents and tell them all about themselves.

Andrea Radcliffe, Pre-school Team Leader at Genesis Milnrow, said: “It has been amazing seeing the children get so excited when we tell them that we are going to see the Rosemary residents.

“Children love telling them what they have been doing at nursery, and it is something really different for the people at the care home.

“The sing-songs have been a real success. We are all learning new songs and the staff and residents have made us very welcome. Everyone involved has had a great time.”

The visits from nursery children have also made a huge impact on the Rosemary residents.

Francesca Hawley, Registered Manager at Rosemary Care Home, said: “Integration of children and the elderly has always been high on the agenda for other countries, but we are way behind. We were so pleased when Andrea from Genesis approached us to forge a partnership.

“After just a couple of sessions, the interaction has been amazing and a real highlight and talking point of the home. We are really looking forward to seeing how far this will go.”

Harry, a resident in the home, said: “I can’t believe that I remember the songs the children have been singing, and I want to join in the actions. Having a stroke makes this difficult, but it gives me a goal.”

It has been agreed that the weekly sessions at Rosemary Care Home will continue into the New Year and beyond.

Genesis will also visit the care home in early December to perform their Christmas Concert dress rehearsal for the residents. They are performing the real thing on Saturday 9 December at Milnrow Parish Church.