By ALANA MITCHELSON
A GROUP of children excitedly await a visit from Berwick aged care residents each Monday.
Separated by generations – but united by the joy of sharing each other’s company – Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) residents are greeted with hand-made cards by children aged three to six at the Beaconsfield Children’s Hub.
The children spend the morning baking cakes and preparing a song or dance performance for their special guests.
After afternoon tea, each child chooses a book to read with a senior resident.
Hub director Samantha Gould said the Generations Together program was the first of its kind for the centre.
“The children are so excited to be part of this program. It is such a treat for them to be able to venture down to our multi-purpose room and they are quite proud to present the residents with the pictures they have made,” Ms Gould said.
“Some of the children are very shy at first but it doesn’t take them long to warm up. After the sessions the children are buzzing with excitement and love to tell us about the time they have spent with their new friends.
“The one-on-one time has boosted the children’s self-confidence, particularly those without large, extended families.”
World War II veteran Stan said he was familiar with children, being grandfather and great-grandfather to 34 of his own.
“It’s always lovely to be around the children,” the 92-year-old said.
“I was very impressed on how well-behaved they are towards us.”
VMCH resident Doreen, 74, described the children as “very friendly and welcoming”.
“They bring us so much joy,” she said.
The program began in April and will continue for the rest of the year.
