“I think it's very natural for young children and older people to come together, but that's no longer the norm in the UK.” Helen PittThe Guardian's North of England editor says: Nosheen Iqbal.
Is Britain missing out on the benefits of intergenerational living? Helen visits Belong Chester, a multigenerational care home in Chester city centre. Sue Eggersdorf, one of the care home's founders, told Helen that many of the residents are reserved when they arrive, but blossom when they make friends with the children in the nursery.
“When the kids come in, you can actually see them spread out,” Eggersdorf said.
Helen met residents with dementia and their carers to find out how the environment can benefit older residents and children in the nursery.
“I think what the kids are really getting is access to a whole community of incredibly patient and supportive seniors ready to take things at a slower pace. This is great for kids who often need a little more time, and maybe “need to calm down a little.” ”
Photo: Fabio de Paola/The Guardian
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