Waterlooville care home turns new page with special storytelling session

Residents at a care home in Waterlooville have been reading classic children’s books to local pupils to mark National Storytelling Week.  

Care UK’s Pear Tree Court, on Portsmouth Road, welcomed Horndean Infant School so residents could share their love of reading with the children. 

Each of the residents found a book nook in the care home's lounge to read their favourite children’s literature classics, including ‘Fox makes friends’ and ‘Buzz off I’m busy’ as well as books handpicked by the pupils themselves.

After the storytelling session, the two generations sat together to discuss what they’d just read and share memories and life anecdotes.

Resident Sheila Hawes said: “This is one of the best mornings I’ve had and it was a lovely surprise to see the children. The books and stories they have these days are wonderful and I wouldn’t mind taking them to my room for bedtime. I really enjoyed the books with cheeky words in them!”

Aimee Sparks, Home Manager at Pear Tree Court, added: “We loved welcoming the children from Horndean Infant School into our home to celebrate National Storytelling Week. The residents’ love of reading knows no bounds, so it meant a lot to them to be able to share this with the children.

“Intergenerational relationships have proven to be highly beneficial for all involved, as they offer residents a form of companionship and a stronger sense of purpose. It’s also given the residents a great opportunity to reminisce about reading their own children and grandchildren stories before bedtime.

“We are excited to carry on our relationship with Horndean Infant School and welcome them again soon!” 

Pear Tree Court is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. It has its own cinema, pub and hair and beauty salon, and boasts plenty of space indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.