If you are visiting a facility you will need a few things.   We are lucky to have coat hooks, boot trays, and storage provided.

It is handy to have a trolly for set up.

Participation improves when we meet in a common area. Meeting in the dining room works best for our program as it is set up with tables and chairs.

Prior knowledge of activities prepare residents for our visit. I deliver children’s inside shoes (in a laundry basket) and wheel out our trolly of supplies while the residents are eating lunch. Giving our friends an informal “heads-up” of the task ahead puts them at ease.

Sharing food is motivational for all ages. We end with a snack and herbal/”water” tea. The cook at the facility prepares a healthy snack or a treat.  I try to help out by cooking with the children to provide the snack at least once each month. Manners are strongly enforced at this time. Children learn to serve the residents first and to clear the tables before we leave.

We are so grateful to have so much support for this program. All of the staff at the facility we visit are fully engaged. The site manager, cook, and care worker participate fully in all activities with the children and residents; snacks are regularly provided.  The night staff – known as the invisible workers – finish off crafts and decorate for our many events. The school “Community Link” worker, and an alternate school student, plus parent volunteers also participate. The children and I try to recognize all of these people on a regular basis.  We had fun when the cook got married, and again when she and the community link worker were due to have their first babies!  A few extra residents joined us for these two special showers.  And no, the babies in the picture are not real…but we are hoping to add another generation when the Moms bring their actual babies next year!

Before we leave for the bus, each child takes the time to make personal contact with every resident and staff member. They are taught to look at older persons; shake/hold their hand, rub their back, or give a hug; and give their thanks or a personal message. This lovely way to end our visit is much appreciated by all participants.

It is important to celebrate the end of the school year. Residents need to be told that the current group of children will not be returning in September. This is difficult for intergenerational pairs that have made strong connections. I always bring last years class back for one visit in the winter of the next year; the kindergarten children stay and work with the remaining grade one students and their teachers.

I order extra copies of our kindergarten class photo to sign and give to residents.  We also take an intergenerational “class photograph” to remember each year.