Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2017 Issue
A place filled with wheelchair-bound and walker-pushing folks may not be your typical field trip, but homes for the aged often rely on visitors to brighten up the days of their residents, offering a great way for students to get involved in service-learning and civic engagement. By participating in meaningful interactions with residents, students have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, even if it is as simple as putting a smile on a senior’s face. Enabling students to gain experience caring for those in need can also promote their social-emotional development, instilling values such as understanding, empathy, tolerance, and compassion.
Below are suggestions for senior care facilities that welcome organized visits by K–12 school groups.
Cridge Village Seniors’ Centre
Victoria, BC
The Cridge Village Seniors’ Centre houses 85 seniors receiving assisted living services. It partners with various K–12 groups throughout the year who typically participate in concerts, plays, and intergenerational art programs.
Fudger House
Toronto, ON
Located in downtown Toronto, Fudger House is home to 250 long-term care residents. Its collaboration with the Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships in Community (TIGP) has seen the involvement of a number of schools. The facility currently engages in structured elementary group programs and hosts regular performances by students from public and private schools. Visitations typically require a few months’ notice.
Meadowood Manor
Winnipeg, MB
Meadowood Manor is a faith-based, non-profit, personal care home. Visiting school groups can participate in choirs, music, reading, plays, one-to-one visits, physical games (basketball, bowling, balloon badminton), charades, and crafts.
Sherwood Care
Sherwood Park, AB
Sherwood Care is a long-term care facility serving 100 residents. It accommodates numerous school groups, from toddlers to teens, with activities ranging from cards and table games to physical games to crafts and musical performances. Preschool groups also have classes conducted at the centre while the seniors observe and interact with them.
Activity Ideas
There are a number of activities that students and seniors can enjoy together, including ones that are curriculum-related. Here are some to consider:
- Reading and Storytelling: Students read to residents or, alternatively, have them share their life stories. Teachers might have students interview residents and write down their experiences.
- Arts and Crafts: Students and seniors work on simple craft activities together such as painting, scrapbooking, hand-sewing projects, knitting and crocheting, and easy-to-make holiday ornaments.
- Drama and Music: Conduct a sing along session, or treat residents to a student performance such as a dance or short play.
- Games: Students and seniors may engage in games like cards, board games, checkers, or bingo.
- Gardening: Some facilities maintain gardens where students work alongside residents in activities such as watering, weeding, raking, and planting.
- Eating Together: Organize a lunch with the facility so that students can enjoy a communal meal with the residents.
- Technology: Students can teach seniors how to use computers, tablets, email, and the Internet.
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