Reunited at last! Care home residents meet up with their young friends after two years apart

A Halstead care home has welcomed local nursery children back through its doors after more than two years apart.

Prior to the pandemic, residents at Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, were regularly visited by the children from Park Pre-School for intergenerational activities and games, which ended abruptly in March 2020. 

Over the last two years, the nursery children have only been able to wave through the window, and residents were delighted to hear the joyous laughter of their younger friends in person when they were finally reunited on Thursday 9 June. 

As part of the intergenerational session, residents and children spent time planting sunflower seeds in the home’s garden, which the children will return to watch grow over the coming months.

89-year-old resident, Brian, said: "It was truly wonderful to see the children and all the energy they have. It’s funny how it passes on to you and lifts your spirits."

90-year-old resident, Christine, added: “It was so lovely to see the children again after such a long time. We had such a pleasant morning together in the garden.”  

Monica Boldeata, Home Manager at Colne View, commented: “We were thrilled to welcome the children from Park Pre-School back through our doors after so long apart.

“Intergenerational activities form a huge part of life here at Colne View and can be incredibly beneficial for both younger and older people. These kinds of relationships provide older people with a sense of purpose, and a chance to share their skills and knowledge.

“We had a wonderful afternoon together and are very much looking forward to seeing the children again very soon when they come to check on their sunflowers!”

Colne View is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services including residential care, specialist dementia care and respite care.

To find out more about Colne View, please contact Senior Customer Relations Manager, Kim Richardson, 01787 389474, email kim.richardson@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/colne-view.