Sara Court Preschoolers visit Dalkeith Gardens for intergenerational connection

Preschoolers from Sara Court Preschool in the regional Victorian community of Traralgon have built special friendships with aged care residents living at Dalkeith Gardens. 

The three and four year olds have been visiting residents at the Benetas aged care home on an almost weekly basis since November 2023.

The 90-minute sessions bring together roughly 20 residents and 20 children to share a range of activities, including colouring, painting, active games, gardening, blocks, books, craft and dancing.

The program provides residents with enthusiasm to be active and engaged, participating in activities and discussing things they may not have thought about for decades, while for the children the program provides a little wisdom and an opportunity to thrive, grow and see things from a different perspective.

For both parties, the interactions have enhanced wellbeing, fostered emotional comfort, and created meaningful connections and relationships.

Some of the most treasured moments have been when the children and residents sang and danced to songs together, prompting happiness and laughter while bringing a sense of calm and belonging.

“We know how important intergenerational connections are to both children and seniors,” Benetas CEO Sandra Hills OAM said. “At Benetas, we have rolled out similar programs at some of our other residential aged care homes to support our residents to remain connected to their communities.”

Speaking on behalf of the preschool, which is managed by Latrobe City Council, Council CEO Steven Piasente said he had heard from council’s early childhood educators about how the program has helped typically shy children become more confident, by interacting and expressing themselves to the aged care residents rather than their peers.

“The program has helped children’s confidence grow, it has supported development of their social skills, and has promoted their emotional growth through cross-generational engagement,” Mr Piasente said.

“This is a truly special concept that enriches all those involved, and shows that the importance of play is ageless.”

Learn more about Benetas here. Information about Sara Court Preschool is available here.