Intergenerational Programming
Guided by Vision 2020 and our commitment to working with partners to advance our Mission, Bethany has partnered with Summit Kids to operate a daycare facility at our Bethany Riverview location. The daycare, known as Summit Start, is scheduled to open on September 30, 2019 and will serve up to 84 children ranging in age from 1 – 5 years. Not only is this a wonderful amenity to have on site, it also provides our respective organizations with an opportunity to provide intergenerational programming; a unique approach that allows for people of all ages and backgrounds to socialize, learn and grow together. At Bethany, this intergenerational approach will allow children and seniors to come together to share and engage with each other. This can take a variety of shapes and forms – from a single event to weekly scheduled activities.
Intergenerational programs have been shown to yield many benefits to participants such as learning opportunities and collaboration. These programs give children the opportunity to form solid relationships with older individuals and receive the benefit of their wisdom and insight and they tend to foster a happier, healthier environment for everyone – children, seniors and staff alike! Studies show that seniors who participate in these programs often get more activity and exercise; even residents with cognitive or mobility issues benefit from the added activity and stimulation.
While intergenerational programs have clear benefits for children and seniors, they also have a strong benefit for society-at-large as cultural traditions and values are passed down and preserved for future generations. They can also help dispel negative stereotypes and help promote tolerance and understanding.
Summit Kids and Bethany will work in partnership to prepare an initial assessment of need and then identify programming opportunities based on mutual goals and objectives. We are looking forward to getting this important work underway and believe it will create positive and meaningful relationships that not only improve quality of life for our residents but support our campus of care model allowing residents to age in community.
As always, I welcome any ideas or suggestions you may have. Please send them to me at nancy.hughes@bethanyseniors.com.
Regards,
Nancy
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