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The children bringing joy to care home residents

Rosie Eaton
BBC Radio CWR
BBC An older lady in a wheelchair with brightly coloured blouse holds a six-month-old baby who is playing with her lanyard. She sits in a wheelchair as we can see the black handles behind her head and the armrests to the sides.BBC
At 98, Gladys Willis is the oldest member of the group - while six-month-old Aidey is the youngest

As Row, Row, Row Your Boat is sung at this care home and children play with the elderly residents, staff say both age groups are feeling the benefits.

They are taking part in the weekly Grandfriends playgroup at the Avalon Court Care Home in Tile Hill, Coventry, set up by childminder Lisa Taylor.

Babies and toddlers join the residents for some fun and one of them, Sue Queen, 82, says they love the visits from the youngsters.

"I think we're often ignored when you get to our age and it's lovely to come here where we're part of it," she said.

A smiling lady in brightly coloured top and glasses holds a toddler wearing a lemon-yellow outfit. They sit on a sofa with a light green covering in front of a cream-coloured fireplace.
Lisa Taylor, the founder of Grandfriends, said she believed the group was good for both children and residents

Launched in 2017, Ms Taylor said she was inspired by the effects the children she works with had on her own grandparents.

"Even with advanced dementia, they could still sing nursery rhymes, because it's stored differently in our brain and you've got the emotional connection," she said.

Having pitched the idea to several care homes in the city, Avalon Court picked it up.

Two older ladies, one wearing a white T-shirt and the other in a blue and white top, share a laugh together. One has her head thrown back laughing and is clasping her friend's arm.
Sue Queen and her friend Mary Cliffe both said the children and residents enjoyed the sessions

At their latest playgroup, eight-year-old Rosie helps 86-year-old Dennis Oliver remember the actions to Incy Wincy Spider.

She is one of the children who come back to visit in the school holidays, even when they are too old to take part in Grandfriends.

They first met when Rosie was in preschool.

"I enjoyed coming because we did all these fun activities," she said.

"We sang songs and I got to see the grandfriends."

"She tapped me on the shoulder and I didn't recognise her," added Mr Oliver. "She's so grown up."

An eight-year-old girl in green school uniform sits next to an 86-year-old man. The girl has brown hair pulled back in a ponytail while Dennis wears a blue and white checked shirt and dark trousers. They sit on a green sofa.
Eight-year-old Rosie still visits her grandfriend Dennis Oliver, even though she is too old for the playgroup

Nearby Mrs Queen and Mary Cliffe, 80, sing Row, Row, Row Your Boat and hold hands with their young visitors.

They both said they loved the visits, especially as their own families did not live close to them.

"I think what happens is they walk into this room," said Ms Cliffe. "[And they think] 'Oh yes, I know where I am, I can start running now'."

An elderly lady looks delighted to greet a six-month-old baby, who's been held by her mother.
The youngsters play with the elderly residents and help them sing songs
A blonde lady in a blue and white geometric blouse with nails painted red smiles at the camera. She sits on a green chair while a small black microphone is clipped to the neck of her blouse.
The home's manager, Rachael Thorpe, said watching the children and residents play together was an emotional experience

Home manager Rachael Thorpe said she loved seeing new relationships being formed.

"To actually see the children going up to the residents and seeing that resident and child become alive, it's just such a heartwarming experience," she explained.

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