Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
User submission
66.5K
125.2K
Introducing Preschoolers Into This Nursing Home Changed Everyone’s Lives
A preschool housed within a retirement home is changing the lives of seniors and toddlers alike. Providence Mount St. Vincent in Seattle, WA, houses over 400 elderly residents; The Intergenerational Learning Center (ILC) is a childcare facility that allows infants-to-5-year-olds interact with these residents through structured and unstructured activities.
The broad purpose of the ILC is to help children learn about the elderly. Specifically, the program aims to have kids learn about the normal aging process, accept people with disabilities, help them reduce their fear of older adults, and to receive and give unconditional and unbounded love and attention. A documentary about the initiative is presently in the works.
More info: The International Learning Center | Providence Mount St. Vincent Assisted Living
RELATED:
43% of older adults experience social isolation
So this program put a preschool into a nursing home
It allows children to learn and interact with 400+ elderly residents at the assisted-living center
“The children and residents come together in a variety of planned activities such as music, dancing, art, lunch, storytelling or just visiting”
“This enhances the opportunities for children and people of all ages to have frequent interaction”
Children at the center have to the opportunity to learn from their elders
To accept people with disabilities
To be involved with people who are two or three generations apart
To become part of an extended family
To help them reduce their fear of older adults
To receive and give unconditional and unbounded love and attention
Participants benefit from frequent interaction with children throughout their day
They engage in physical activity playing with the children
There are opportunities to play, laugh and enjoy the spirit and joy that children bring to their home environment
Participants have a renewed sense of self-worth
An opportunity to transfer knowledge
And the ability to serve as role models
“There is only one time to be happy, and that time is now”
Evan Briggs began a kickstarter to make a documentary about the program
125Kviews
Share on Facebook
What do you think ?
PhyllisDomingo 9 years ago
Wish all senior facilities would follow suit. It's a Win! Win! for all. So much love to share, so many connections to make.
GDaddyGarza 9 years ago
Well, as long as they are SUPERVISED AT ALL TIME, this sounds like a great idea... I'm sorry I had to stress the supervised part but, I wouldn't want to take any risk of possible abuse on my kids. It is a great idea, yes it is... but it can also open a door for a pedophile to attack... you call me a paranoid but I rather be called that way than expose my kids to any dangerous scenario.
JM 9 years ago
My worry was quite the opposite. Kids would need to be supervised at all times to make sure they're not causing disruption, destruction or misbehaving in the nursing home. Children are beautiful, but when out of hand, they can be a headache. Wouldn't be fair for the elderly to have to dealing with that in their own nursing home.
Load More Replies...
Thefiletshow 8 years ago
Yes! Yes! Helping two of our most precious human resources: the very young and then very old. Smashing idea!
TanyaCBryant 9 years ago
I would say this is very good article.In spite of various retirement plans I have planned something new for my parents.Due to my busy schedule I cannot look after them.They are very weak both physically and mentally.They need more care and attention along with medical facilities hence I thought to keep them at home health care centre for few days to get recover from their various health issues.Know more about such home health care at www.royalcare.net/.
WendyLorimer 9 years ago
A bit sad that this is needed, growing up and growing old with family would be simpler.
LauraGraceWeldon 9 years ago
We can all do something similar in our own communities. Years ago I set up a play group for moms and babies in a nearby nursing home. What an amazing experience. If anyone is interested, here's how we got it going. lauragraceweldon.com/2015/06/17/start-a-playgroup-in-a-retirement-home/
JanisTotham-Davies 9 years ago
How wonderful, this should be adopted everywhere throughout the world. Young and old benefit so very much from interaction like this!
CarolMcClellan 9 years ago
I think it's a wonderful idea. I experienced the social isolation of some of the people who were in the nursing home when my great-grandparents were. All these people needed was someone to talk to.
5bikes1guy 9 years ago
I hate to use that expression "A win-win situation", but this honestly and truly is. Kids get an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and caring for people who have led such full lives with knowledge to share. I would love to see this model used throughout the country. Excellent.
LuciaHewitt 9 years ago
What a fantastic initiative! I hope this grows from strength to strength and becomes a worldwide phenomenon!
OkullooyereMartin 9 years ago
Thats what is called grand parenting. Taking the elderly to the elderly homes is not the right thing to do. They need to be home and they can also enjoy their grand children. Thats the circle of life.
MarkMcBriarty 9 years ago
Bold & Innovative -as a private provider of Community Aged Care I applaud each and every initiative aimed at reducing loneliness and building purpose and direction amongst our disengaged Seniors
PhyllisDomingo 9 years ago
Wish all senior facilities would follow suit. It's a Win! Win! for all. So much love to share, so many connections to make.
GDaddyGarza 9 years ago
Well, as long as they are SUPERVISED AT ALL TIME, this sounds like a great idea... I'm sorry I had to stress the supervised part but, I wouldn't want to take any risk of possible abuse on my kids. It is a great idea, yes it is... but it can also open a door for a pedophile to attack... you call me a paranoid but I rather be called that way than expose my kids to any dangerous scenario.
JM 9 years ago
My worry was quite the opposite. Kids would need to be supervised at all times to make sure they're not causing disruption, destruction or misbehaving in the nursing home. Children are beautiful, but when out of hand, they can be a headache. Wouldn't be fair for the elderly to have to dealing with that in their own nursing home.
Load More Replies... Thefiletshow 8 years ago
Yes! Yes! Helping two of our most precious human resources: the very young and then very old. Smashing idea!
TanyaCBryant 9 years ago
I would say this is very good article.In spite of various retirement plans I have planned something new for my parents.Due to my busy schedule I cannot look after them.They are very weak both physically and mentally.They need more care and attention along with medical facilities hence I thought to keep them at home health care centre for few days to get recover from their various health issues.Know more about such home health care at www.royalcare.net/.
WendyLorimer 9 years ago
A bit sad that this is needed, growing up and growing old with family would be simpler.
LauraGraceWeldon 9 years ago
We can all do something similar in our own communities. Years ago I set up a play group for moms and babies in a nearby nursing home. What an amazing experience. If anyone is interested, here's how we got it going. lauragraceweldon.com/2015/06/17/start-a-playgroup-in-a-retirement-home/
JanisTotham-Davies 9 years ago
How wonderful, this should be adopted everywhere throughout the world. Young and old benefit so very much from interaction like this!
CarolMcClellan 9 years ago
I think it's a wonderful idea. I experienced the social isolation of some of the people who were in the nursing home when my great-grandparents were. All these people needed was someone to talk to.
5bikes1guy 9 years ago
I hate to use that expression "A win-win situation", but this honestly and truly is. Kids get an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and caring for people who have led such full lives with knowledge to share. I would love to see this model used throughout the country. Excellent.
LuciaHewitt 9 years ago
What a fantastic initiative! I hope this grows from strength to strength and becomes a worldwide phenomenon!
OkullooyereMartin 9 years ago
Thats what is called grand parenting. Taking the elderly to the elderly homes is not the right thing to do. They need to be home and they can also enjoy their grand children. Thats the circle of life.
MarkMcBriarty 9 years ago
Bold & Innovative -as a private provider of Community Aged Care I applaud each and every initiative aimed at reducing loneliness and building purpose and direction amongst our disengaged Seniors
You May Like 30 Of The Most Satirical Posts from The “WomenInMaleFields” Viral Trend New Couple In Town Expects Warm Welcome, Neighbors Remind Them They’re Not In A Hallmark Movie
Rūta Zumbrickaitė
Viktorija Ošikaitė
Related on Bored Panda
153
30