January 16, 2015
Story by Heather Marcoux; photo by Heather Kipling
Four-month-old Bryce has no problem making friends at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre (LHCC).
The happy baby boy is part of the new Intergenerational Program at LHCC, a partnership between Alberta Health Services’ Volunteer Resources and the Lacombe Parent Link Centre.
“The benefits are huge,” says Volunteer Coordinator Leanne Brusegard. “The residents are able to interact, hold and watch the children. They also reminisce about their own families.”
Started in September, the Intergenerational Program sees young families visit the long-term care residents once a month to sing songs, make crafts and tell stories.
Brusegard describes the program as an incredible experience for everyone involved.
“One lady could not stop smiling and even told me how nice Bryce was,” explains Brusegard. “Staff were surprised to hear her say that because she doesn’t speak often.”
The residents enjoy their time with the kids, who may not have grandparents nearby and benefit from the bonds formed with the seniors they visit.
“They’re learning to develop relationships with people of all ages, and develop empathy for aging,” says Cora Hoekstra of the Lacombe Parent Link Centre. “Really the children are just learning to make friends.”
Parents involved in the Intergenerational Program are thankful for the opportunity to teach their children about volunteering early in life.
“I think it is nice that I can volunteer with my children and make a difference in the lives of the residents here,” says Bryce’s mother, Candace Sales.
Two of Sales’ other children, Seth and Seira, ages 3 and 18 months, are also participating in the program.
“Bryce loves the attention, and my older children love interacting with the residents.”
Right now the partnership between Volunteer Resources and Parent Link is unique to Lacombe, but it may expand to other communities in the future.
Outside of Lacombe, residents at other AHS facilities enjoy visits from older children through other community partnerships.
For more information on intergenerational visitation please contact Volunteer Resources.
