Here at Elton House family is hugely important; that’s why we have converted one of our many quiet lounges into a family-friendly visiting room as well as holding a family-friendly film session in the cinema every Saturday morning. Beverley, our Activities Manager, remembers only too well how difficult it was visiting her own Grandmother in a care home with her own young children. “It was really difficult to have quality time with Nana and keep my children entertained, I used to bring things from home but it was quite small in her room and we didn’t want to disturb other residents in the main lounge area, the quiet lounge was always our go-to place. I would have loved to have had a visitor room set up for the children so that Nana could have enjoyed watching them play and I could have enjoyed seeing her without worrying about the children”
Elton House already embraces many intergenerational sessions including Dinky Dancers, links with the local schools such as Highwood Primary and Purcell school of music and a local childminding group meets here with our residents weekly. “Our intergenerational work really does make a difference to our residents, they love to see the children in the building and for some, it’s the highlight of their week. It is so important that residents feel they can welcome their whole family into their home and as an activities team we are always keen to host family-friendly events so that everyone is included, young and old!”