Intergenerational Relationships
Interdepartmental Relationship: The Child Center staff
works in collaboration with other departments (Activities, Social Work,
Nursing, Volunteer, O.T., P.R.) to continually develop and coordinate
activities and programs that will respond to the needs of individual
residents and children.
Intergenerational Program: The Intergenerational Program
provides meaningful and continual activities and experiences
that are mutually beneficial and developmentally appropriate for both
the younger and older persons involved.
The Child Center provides for the children realistic experiences with
active, healthy, older adults and also with the infirmed aged, in order
to develop an increased awareness and understanding of elderly persons
and aging as a normal life process which people experience in different
ways.
Resident Involvement: There are many ways in which
the residents may choose to become involved in the Child Center program:
• volunteer to aid in the Child Center on a regular basis (read,
listen to child read..)
• share a particular profession, talent, hobby or interest (e.g.
gardener plants, artist draws, former Girl Scout leader presents a nature
program)
• visit on a daily, weekly or “whenever in the area”
basis to say “hello” or observe
• bring or make materials for activities
• join in the intergenerational activities around Maple Knoll
Village
Child Involvement: There are many ways in which the
children may become involved with the residents:
• personal visits with residents
• small group activities within the Village
• individual work with an adult with the Montessori materials
as therapy
• music and movement exercise activity
• sing-a-longs with residents
• arts and crafts and puppet projects
• nature in the gardens, cooking, weaving, photography projects