Scarecrow brings Eye pupils and care home residents together

Home news

Feb 20, 2020

An Eye care home has teamed up with a local school as part of an intergenerational project aimed at dispelling the myths and stigma associated with dementia.

Residents from Hartismere Place care home, on Castleton Way, welcomed pupils from Occold Primary School as part of The Archie Project, an initiative which links local primary schools to care homes. 

Created by Reminiscence Learning, the project is centred around a brightly knitted scarecrow called Archie, designed to help pupils understand how dementia can affect older people.

The Care UK team at Hartismere Place kicked off the project by leading a special assembly to introduce Archie and his story. Dressing their teacher and teaching assistant up as scarecrows, pupils learnt all about the effects of the condition and how, as a society, we can help those with dementia to live well.

Pupils visited Hartismere Place as part of the partnership, which involves the children working with residents over several months on various activities, as well as talking about what life used to be like when they were at school. Pupils have also taken part in a Dementia Friends session as part of a wider initiative which aims to transform the way people think, act and talk about the condition.

Abhilash Gopi, home manager at Hartismere Place, said: “We are delighted to partner with Occold Primary School to launch The Archie Project.

“Pupils had a wonderful time learning more about Archie and residents enjoyed welcoming them to Hartismere Place. It is important for the children to gain confidence in speaking to an older generation, and to understand their needs. We are looking forward to continuing the work with pupils at Occold Primary School, with upcoming projects including arts and crafts, gardening and memory sharing.”

Hartismere Place has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and nursing care, as well as short-term respite. Hartismere Place also runs a day club, which offers older people living independently in the community the chance to make new friends and take part in enjoyable activities.

For more information about Hartismere Place, please contact senior customer relations manager, Angela Hodge, on 0333 920 2997 or email angela.hodge@careuk.com

For more general information visit careuk.com/hartismere-place