Why residents are 'turning away visitors' at a Liverpool care home

The creation of TikTok videos, reminiscing about school days and creating poetry and rap has been causing some residents of one Liverpool care home to turn visitors away because ‘the children are in’.

Every Friday throughout the summer holidays, four children of mixed ages visited a care home based in Wavertree to spend time with some of the care home’s residents where both generations learnt from each other and brought a new “perspective to everything.”

This was part of a project called Generations Together developed by Andrea Lyon, registered manager of Oak Springs Care Home, as a way of bringing young and old together and inspiring lots of memories and fun.

Ms Lyon said: “The first time the children came in, the residents loved it.

"Then the residents started getting excited for each Friday when they knew the children were coming in.

“They were saying to the visitors ‘don’t come and see me on Friday because the children are in’. It was unbelievable. The interaction between the residents and children was amazing.

“When I was a child I loved staying with my grandparents and listening to all their memories and stories about life in the olden days. We want to recreate those lovely bonds with our own residents and children."

'Off his own back, he found a way to communicate with this resident'

Studies have shown children who regularly mix with older people see improvements to their language development, reading and social skills, while older people are less likely to suffer loneliness and will experience better physical and mental health.

To get the project underway, Ms Lyons brought in her own grandchildren whilst another member of staff brought in their children and one brought in her godchild. They were Eleanor Watson, five, Elliott Stanley, six, Thomas Watson, eight, and 12-year-old Gracie Healey.

On the first day, eight-year-old Thomas Watson decided to sit and introduce himself to a resident who had a severe stroke and was unable to communicate verbally.

Using his own initiative, he found a way to communicate with her by asking her a question and using his hands to help her answer.

“He said to her, ‘I like eating ice cream. My favourite ice cream is chocolate, what’s your favourite ice cream?’ Putting up both of his hands, he said to the resident ‘if your favourite ice cream is strawberry touch this hand and if you like vanilla, touch this hand,’ says Ms Lyon.

Thomas’ interaction was called “phenomenal” by the deputy manager who couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Ms Lyon added: "Off his own back he found a way to communicate with the resident and turned this into a lovely relationship so much so that this lady would look forward every week to the children coming in because she had that interaction."

'Being around the children has been brilliant'

As well as children and residents talking to each other about their school days, having a poetry and rap session and teaching the residents words in different languages the children had learnt at school, staff, children and residents also created a TikTok video for music week.

The video features residents jumping out of bed and then dancing in the garden, lounge and laundry room with staff and the children. There was even a member of staff dressed up as Dolly Parton, Ellie Longman’s usual day job is activities coordinator for the home.

Ms Lyon said: “It has been a huge success and everyone involved has had a brilliant time working on it. The children who visited the home brought a new perspective to everything.

“Loads of planning went into it and we had to ask the residents if they wanted to take part. All the children learnt the words to ‘9-5’.

“It wasn’t staged all that much and everyone had so much fun doing it. I think it also gives a real insight into the friendly environment in our home.”

Resident Margaret O’Hare, 90, said: “Filming the TikTok was fun and a fantastic day. We have really enjoyed our time with the children this summer. They are so chatty and helpful.”

Resident Terence Symes, 71, said: “Recreating Dolly’s iconic hit with the staff and children was a hoot. Being around the children all summer and hearing about their lives has been brilliant.”

Thomas said: “Making the TikTok with the staff and residents was such great fun.” Gracie Healey said: “It has been a great summer coming into the home every week. The Tik Tok was a real highlight.”

The project has been so successful that the six week intergenerational project will be rolled out across all Sandstone Homes and will be looking to get the nearby communities involved.

The children are coming back during the October half term holiday to help the residents celebrate Halloween with a party.

To see the TikTok, click here

click here for more details or to contact Sandstone Care Group