Pupilsfrom years 5 and 6 at St Bartholomews CE Primary School have visited AreleyHouse Care Home to take part in a music and activity session with some of theresidents who have dementia. The children led the residents in a number ofaction songs, helped them play parachute games and blew bubbles during the hourlong session.
Thevisit was organised by Lisa Cooper, Activities Co-ordinator at Areley House.She said: The school come into the home regularly to sing and read to theresidents. Ive really noticed how anything to do with children, animals andmusic really brings people with dementia to life, so we thought wed tryinviting the children to a Jungle Jiggle session to see how it would work.
JungleJiggle is a small, Worcester-based company set up by Kay Pipe and her businesspartner. They visit a number of care homes to lead music-based sessionsinvolving residents and children. Kay said: We started doing intergenerationalsessions in December last year, although usually we work with under 5s! Thedifference we see in the residents is amazing there are always smiles andlaughter and we have great feedback from staff.
Thepupils from St Bartholomews School all volunteered to be part of the visit andhad a great time. They said: We wanted to cheer people up and make the elderlypeople happy. It has been brilliant and it was a delight to meet all the peoplein the home.
Headteacher,Sue Helps, said: This is a lovely opportunity for our children. Many havegrandparents with dementia, so its good for them to understand the importanceof interacting. I was very proud of the children for throwing themselves intothe activities well definitely be coming again, next time with some of theyounger children as well.
AreleyHouse is now liaising with the school to enable the children to come and takepart in sessions more regularly. Lisa said: Im over the moon with how itsgone. The residents responded fantastically their faces really lit up and itwas great to see them interacting with the children. Well look forward towelcoming a bigger group next time!
