Bridging the Generational Gap

Activity Diary: Bridging the Generational Gap

Dementia is a syndrome that affects memory and brain health. It’s a serious syndrome and when it is at its worst it can have a major effect on quality of life.

At Ridgeway, we recognize the challenges someone with dementia can have, and we do our very best to support our residents with dementia or other memory problems.

We also think it’s important to highlight the condition to younger generations. Did you know that interacting with different generations can have a positive impact on people young and old? That’s exactly what we found with our various work with dementia this month.

Dementia & Art

Art is a beneficial tool we use to entertain our residents with dementia.

Weekly Art Sessions

At Ridgeway, our team member Dagna has been leading weekly sessions with some of our residents who have dementia. The struggles of dementia meant that our creative residents had lost some of their artistic interest. Luckily, our ‘Rembrandt’ receptionist has been able to get our residents back into an artistic mood and have fun drawing, sketching, and painting. Learning new skills is important for brain functionality and it’s also a much-requested activity for our residents.

Dagna's Talents

We were all proud of our artist and receptionist in residence, Dagna. As well as being a superstar receptionist, Dagna is a talented graphic design student. Dagna has developed a strong relationship with some of our residents with memory challenges through a shared love of art.

Art Sessions and Intergenerational Exchange

In Dagna’s art sessions, our residents discuss different methods, forms, and art techniques. There’s a great multi-generational exchange, with Dagna showing our residents some modern digital art software, and our residents exploring their classic ways of working.

Dagna’s Project

Did we mention our talented Dagna is only 18? Recently graduating from college, Dagna’s final project consisted of an installation featuring residents' drawings of a forget-me-not flower. Dagna turned these drawings into a logo which was printed on a canvas bag, which we think could become the ‘must-have’ it-bag of the summer at Ridgeway Rise.

VIP Art Openings

One of the residents involved in the project visited the exhibition which was another exciting activity, and we must remind readers that special VIP art openings are one example of the fun events we can take you to in our luxury minivan. Dagna was rewarded for her work with the residents living with dementia in June when she became a national finalist in the Great British Care Awards in the International Activity category. Whilst we love Dagna at Ridgeway Rise, we could certainly see her at the Louvre!

Keeping Residents Active

Ridgeway Rise frequently welcomes young students who gain volunteering experience with us. Emmanuel is the latest addition to our team. At only 17, Emmanuel is our keep-fit coordinator. Every Wednesday Emmanuel puts us through our paces and runs chair exercises, bringing lots of smiles to residents' faces.

Visitors!

Young Lina visits her many, many decades older friends at the care home on Sundays. She brings her favourite books to read to the residents, they play ball and enjoy spending time together.

Socializing is a core aspect of life at Ridgeway Rise, and communicating with kids is an amazing channel as both parties get so much out of it. For Lina, she has an audience to practice her reading on, and our residents get to hear a new story.

Interactions with younger generations can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation among elderly residents. The high energy and imagination of kids are a great balm and bring a welcome change to the day-to-day life at our home.

Trips Out

Ridgeway Rise also visited the local primary school this month as part of our trips out of the home. We discussed differences between childhood now and then, with some residents growing up in the 1940s-50s.

School Interaction

Guests had to answer a series of questions and compare the answers with year 1 students at William Morris School, including: in your childhood, what was your favourite toy? How far did you have to walk to school? What was your hobby? What was your favourite food?

Children were very interested to hear about an age before computers, phones, and well before Paw Patrol! Our residents had an interesting day, socializing and connecting with our wider community. Residents enjoyed talking about their lives and finding out how kids are growing up now.

Schools & Ridgeway

Ridgeway Rise is also linked with Swindon Academy for regular activities, including dementia training for students from different age groups.

Generational Learning

So what can these generations learn from each other? A different perspective is really valuable for both sides, with the older generation benefiting from the burst of energy from young kids and the younger generation learning to slow down and enjoy the moment they’re in. Children get to learn from a different perspective, and our older residents get to keep their brains active with brain teasers from kids like ‘Why is the sky blue?’ - if you know the answer, please get in touch!

If you’re interested in finding out about our home and how we can care for you or a loved one, talk to a team member today.