Care home residents spend festive afternoon with local nursery children

Residents from Jack Sears House enjoyed a Christmas afternoon with children from a local day nursery in their care home in Paignton.

The afternoon event was organised by national healthcare charity Kissing it Better and included children entertaining residents with a themed sing along and a festive show-and-tell with some of the children’s favourite nursery toys.

Lynn Parker, manager of the Mama Bear’s Day Nursery in Paignton, said: “The children worked really hard to learn the songs and it was so rewarding to see the residents singing along and having a great time. We love being part of the community in Paignton and we found the visit really helpful to teach the children about the importance of caring for others.

“The nursery staff and the children can’t wait for our next visit, which we hope will be very soon!”

Kissing it Better organise events such as the Christmas day out for patients and residents in hospitals and care homes, and also run music, poetry and reminiscence sessions all year round.

Ms Parker, continued: “When we were approached by Kissing it Better to help spread some Christmas cheer to a local care home, we jumped at the chance! It is such a lovely idea to be able to brighten up someone’s day and we knew the kids would love it too.

Susan Walls from Kissing it Better, said: “Kissing it Better engages the local community to raise hope and happiness in the lives of people who can sometimes feel they’ve been forgotten. The children from Mama Bear's brought the best Christmas present ever for the residents of Jack Sears House – the gift of laughter and conversation.”

Vanessa Hele, manager of Jack Sears House, part of Guinness Care and Support, said "Kissing it Better works by building links between community groups, and we're delighted to be working with Mama Bear's Day Nursery. We look forward to lots more visits from the children in the New Year".

Residents of the home were presented with a large Christmas card decorated by the children at the end of the festive day.