Seniors home brings young and old together

Summary

At Providence Mount St. Vincent in Seattle, elderly residents and children from an on-site daycare form unique, heartwarming connections. This senior living facility integrates both generations in daily interactions, where the elderly, some with dementia, experience joy and emotional engagement through activities with the children. These moments bring back memories and a sense of purpose. The children, too, learn valuable lessons about aging and humanity. Residents, many in their final years, find happiness and fulfillment in these magical bonds, enriching both their lives and the children's in unexpected ways.

Takeaways

• 😊 The video is set at Providence Mount St. Vincent, a senior living facility in Seattle, where elderly residents and young children interact daily.
• 👶 The facility houses 400 residents and 125 children who attend daycare in the same building.
• 👩‍👦 The connection between elderly residents and children is seen as deeply beneficial, creating a shared sense of presence and joy.
• 👵 Many elderly residents, like Patricia (94), appreciate the slower pace of life and enjoy bonding with the children, reflecting on their own experiences as parents.
• 🎨 The interactions between seniors and children are both spontaneous and planned, offering mutual joy and engagement for both groups.
• 🤱 Residents often express how much they enjoy holding and playing with the children, feeling connected to life and vitality.
• 👩‍⚕️ The presence of children plays an active role in the care plans for residents with dementia, helping reduce anxiety and create moments of engagement.
• 💫 The philosophy at Mount St. Vincent centers around providing a sense of community, focusing on living rather than dying, with meaningful social interactions being prioritized.
• 🎶 Emotional bonds are formed between residents and children, such as the friendship between 77-year-old Jim and 3-year-old Enzo Bo, who sing songs together.
• 💖 Many residents find great happiness in their time with the children, stating that the children's presence fills their hearts with joy and gives them a sense of purpose.

Q & A

What is Providence Mount St. Vincent, and where is it located?

Providence Mount St. Vincent, also known as 'The Mount,' is a senior care home in Seattle, Washington, that integrates daycare for children alongside care for elderly residents.

How many residents and children live at the Mount?

The Mount is home to 400 senior residents and 125 children who attend daycare in the same facility.

What makes the Mount unique compared to other senior care facilities?

The Mount uniquely brings together elderly residents and children in daily activities, fostering intergenerational interactions that benefit both groups, especially helping the elderly with dementia or isolation.

How did Charlene Boyd contribute to the development of the Mount's intergenerational program?

Charlene Boyd, the director of the Mount, expanded on an employee idea from 20 years ago, ensuring that the facility was fully licensed for child care and creating an environment where meaningful connections between children and seniors could flourish.

What effect do the children have on the elderly residents, especially those with dementia?

Children help elderly residents, particularly those with dementia, by providing moments of joy, triggering memories of parenthood, and helping reduce anxiety. Their presence helps unlock moments of connection and engagement.

Why do the elderly residents enjoy interacting with the children?

The elderly residents enjoy the children's presence because they bring joy, warmth, and a sense of life. Many residents, like Patricia, feel that children are soft, squishy, and fun to be around. Some residents even recall the joy of raising their own children.

How does the Mount foster a sense of community among its residents?

The Mount fosters a sense of community by offering regular social events, such as parties, birthday celebrations, and trips to the hairdresser, emphasizing meaningful interactions rather than just medical care.

What role do children play in the care plans of residents with dementia?

For residents with dementia, time spent with the children is integrated into their care plans, as it helps reduce anxiety and brings moments of engagement that can reveal glimpses of their former lives.

What philosophy guides the care provided at the Mount?

The Mount follows a philosophy of being a home for living rather than just dying. It emphasizes joy, meaningful interactions, and connection to the community, regardless of age or health condition.

What impact has the intergenerational program had on residents like Jim Nelson and Mary Gonzalez?

Jim Nelson, 77, and Mary Gonzalez, 75, both express great joy from interacting with the children. Jim finds purpose in teaching and connecting with the children, while Mary feels her heart is full from their daily presence, despite also having her own grandchildren.