Care home residents connect to community with intergenerational IT classes

Residents of a care home in Barnet have stayed in touch with the local community despite the coronavirus restrictions of 2020 by taking up intergenerational IT classes with students from a local school.

A member of the Silver Surfer's computer club. Credit: Carlton court Care Home

The Silver Surfer's computer club from Carlton Court Care Home has created new friendships with students from The Mount, Mill Hill International School, London where they connect virtually one day a week.

During their weekly classes, the Silver Surfer’s club learns about modern technology and the benefits of using it, while in return the students find out about the resident’s life and what it was like to grow up without the use of modern technology.

Community development manager at Carlton Court, Andrew Wrensch, told carehome.co.uk: “Every week the school give the students a list of topics they must go and find out about.

"Once connected to the home, they teach the residents about how to use the PC and then the resident will share stories about their life and answer any questions the students may have about what it was like to live when they were younger. It could be a discussion about the difference between Twitter and good old fashioned letter writing.”

There are usually 16 students who connect virtually every week with the care home.

Mr Wrensch said: “This has been great for the students to learn about what it is like to live in a care home and learn about care. They really enjoy their time with the residents and show a great deal of maturity when talking to them.”

A member of the Silver Surfer's computer club interacting with a student from The Mount, Mill Hill International. Credit: Carlton court Care Home

The Mount, Mill Hill International school headteacher, Sarah Bellotti, said: “We very much value our relationship with Carlton Court.

“Teenagers often get bad press, with their heads seemingly always buried in their phones and without a thought for others, but I am moved by just how much our pupils look forward to their interactions with the older people in our community, sharing their stories with the Carlton Court residents.”

Carlton Court resident, Mary said: “Being able to make use of technology is another way of staying connected and it’s always nice to have a chat with the kids.”

The Silver Surfers will continue to meet The Mount, Mill Hill International students online every week and Carlton Court are looking forward to meeting their friends face to face as soon as they can.

Julie Bignell, home manager, said: “Bridging the intergenerational gap is even more important today considering the benefits for both our older and younger generations.

"It is our pleasure to find innovative ways to achieve this and support our residents in staying connected.”

click here for more details or to contact Carlton Court Care Home