Luxury Bedhampton care home hosts local kids for some heartwarming ingenerational fun

The events team at Portsdown View, part of the Connaught Care Collection, extended an open invitation to local youngsters to join the fun. They were encouraged to dance to music, play with sensory props, learn songs through finger play rhymes, and interact with residents throughout.

Organised in collaboration with Jiggy Wrigglers Havant and Waterlooville, an award-winning educational services provider, the team hopes this monthly class will help to foster strong intergenerational bonds between residents and locals — which is a crucial part of proper care.

Commenting on the event, Pippa Mafunga, General Manager at Portsdown View, said:

"It was so great to see how energized and full of life our residents felt after a day of fun with some energetic youngsters! I think for some of them it was a lovely reminder of playing with their own kids and grandkids when they were young.

Too often, people think of people living in care homes as complete dependents who can only be looked after. Yet the truth is there is still so much they can offer; and looking after kids and helping them to learn is just one example."

Research shows this kind of intergenerational activity can have a significant positive effect for those living in care. It can reduce anxiety, improve social connections, encourage physical activity, and restore a strong sense of purpose and life satisfaction for older adults.

Many residents reported feeling invigorated by the time they spent with the children, and loved the opportunity to share some of their knowledge and wisdom with the new generation.

Emma Johnson, owner of Jiggy Wrigglers Havant and Waterlooville, offers her thoughts on day:

"Our families look forward to the monthly sessions and adore seeing the smiles on their children’s faces when interacting with the residents. We truly believe music can spark positive memories, promote physical mobility, and release those delightful endorphins that lead to laughter, happiness, and a profound sense of positivity for everyone involved."

Other planned activities at the home include a visit by local sixth formers, arts and crafts classes with Growing Places Nursery, and a project where pupils from Moreland's Primary School write letters to residents to improve their literacy skills. The home also recently hosted a Teddy Bears Picnic, with about 30 children and parents in attendance.