Southampton care home marks Dementia Action Week with intergenerational visit

Residents at Mayflower Court care home in Southampton were visited by local school children for Dementia Action Week.

The children from Highfield CE Primary School joined residents at Anchor’s Mayflower Court care home on Westwood Road for a Music and Memories tea party where they exchanged stories of growing up in different eras.

Residents at Mayflower Court, along with the children from Highfield CE Primary School, also enjoyed taking part in a yoga session. All the activities, including the intergenerational visit, were implemented to stimulate cognitive function, provide emotional support, and improve overall wellbeing with Dementia Action Week in mind.

Mayflower Court resident Bev, 70, said:

Oh I love having the small children here! They are so nice and always make me smile. It reminds me of when my children were young.

Sharron Fitzgerald, Home Manager at Mayflower Court, said:

It was really heartwarming to see two generations hanging out and having a great time together. You could totally see the residents light up as they started reminiscing about their childhoods.

These visits provide meaningful social interaction, which is vital for combatting loneliness and isolation. We also find that children often engage with people with dementia in a non-judgemental, loving way, which can be soothing. We're hoping to plan more visits like this one soon!

Dementia Action Week is an awareness raising campaign. Each year, Alzheimer's Society works with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage people to act on dementia.

For more information on Mayflower Court Care Home, please click here.