Children from St James the Great and residents of Greenhive care home participate in a project aimed at reducing loneliness and enhancing cognitive function. They engage by sharing stories in a library using immersive technology. This initiative, founded by John Ramsay, seeks to destigmatize dementia and focuses on emotional connections rather than medical needs. Residents report improved well-being through these interactions, fostering understanding between generations and dispelling stereotypes about care homes. The program empowers children with the skills to connect with older individuals experiencing cognitive impairments.
Mr Ramsay said: "It's about making them happy, about their feelings, about the engagement, smiles, love." He emphasized the importance of emotional connections over medical needs.
The programme, called Social Ability, gave children the skills to interact with older people with cognitive impairment, helping bridge the generational gap.
Brenda, a resident, shared, "I think it's fantastic for them, it's got them all happy and active. I'm enjoying it. It's nice to see the smiles on their faces."
Care home manager Mercy Mautsi noted, "most young children don't know what a care home looks like and they've got this fear of people with dementia."
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