Intergenerational virtual chats a hit at Leamington Spa care home

Home news

Dec 14, 2020

A care home in Leamington Spa has teamed up with a nationwide charity to promote intergenerational relationships.

Residents and team members at Care UK’s Priors House, on Old Milverton Lane, have been meeting virtually with pupils from Warwick and King’s High School and taking part in creative activities.    

Led by healthcare charity Kissing It Better, which aims to make a difference in older people’s lives by bringing generations together, the virtual sessions include a variety of activities, including poetry clubs, in-depth conversations where residents and pupils share their experiences and a virtual pet therapy session. A pen pal scheme has also been set up, and the home is hoping to plan an inter-home quiz, featuring neighbouring Care UK homes and pupils from around the country, very soon.

As part of the home’s partnership with Kissing It Better, Priors House’s Customer Relations Manager Maria Cridge and Lifestyle Lead Coral Arrowsmith also delivered a masterclass on dementia for students from all around the country.

Reg Handy, a resident at Priors House, said: “When I went to school it was just pen and paper, so I think students are very lucky to have this and we should use this more.”

 “It’s wonderful to watch young and old come together” said Jill Fraser, Kissing it Better’s CEO and Founder. “Older people feel valued when they share their stories and life skills with a new generation, and young people feel valuable when they get the chance to make a difference.”

Francine Summers, Home Manager at Priors House, added: “Intergenerational relationships have been proven to improve older people’s wellbeing in many ways, by giving them an increased sense of purpose and an opportunity to reminisce about their younger years by sharing their knowledge and experiences. This way, both sides can learn from each other and compare their experiences, which often put things into perspective – especially for the younger generation.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Kissing It Better and for their help in facilitating these calls with local pupils. No two sessions are the same, and it’s great to be able to cater for every resident’s interest, whether they fancy sharing their favourite poems or simply have a chat. It’s helped them to feel closer to the wider community, and we’re certainly seeing the benefits already – it’s fantastic to see residents leave these virtual sessions with a smile on their face.

“On behalf of everyone at Priors House, I’d like to say a big thank you to Kissing It Better and to every pupil at Warwick and King’s High School who joined us – we can’t wait to welcome you in person once we’re able!”

Priors House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation. The home has a comprehensive activity program, offering a mix of themed events, group activities and days out.

To find out more about Priors House, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Maria Cridge, at maria.cridge@careuk.com, or phone 01926 675 217.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/care-homes/priors-house  

To find out more about Kissing It Better, visit www.kissingitbetter.co.uk.uk