Macklin Tots Graduate at Our Lady’s Care Home

Pre-Schoolers have been brightening the lives and bringing joy to the residents at Our Lady’s Care Home in Belfast with an inter-generational programme called Macklin Tots which has just completed its first semester in the home and sees the kids and residents enjoying a Graduation Ceremony to mark the success of the project this week.

Each week, the tots, from Start Smart Day Care, aged 3 and 4 came along and spent time with the residents, telling stories, doing crafts, singing, dancing, learning and generally having a whole lot of fun.

Mary Macklin, CEO of The Macklin Group, says the project has played a very important part in the weekly activities offered to residents;

                “Every week our residents enjoyed spending time with the kids, they loved interacting with them and really came alive when they got to tell them stories from when they were small or share nursery rhymes and songs together. This has been such a valuable project and we have been truly delighted with the results, so much so that we will not only be welcoming the children back in the new term, but we are also planning on rolling it out across all our homes.”

Mary goes on to explain why the children have had such an impact;

“Engaging with the younger generation is something that is so incredibly important for our residents, some of them either don’t have their own Grand-Children or they live so far away that visits are rare, this project brings them that all important contact and we really see a massive difference in their moods when the residents know the children are visiting. It’s a time they look forward to each week”

 “At the very heart of our care homes, are our residents and their families, we view everyone as a member of our Macklin family and feel passionate about extending this to our local community, the Macklin Tots project fits perfectly with our ethos and we have been delighted to welcome them into our home each week.

“As a family organisation, this engagement between Juniors and Seniors brings huge benefits to all taking part, often it’s an opportunity to learn a new skill, or perhaps it’s an opportunity to keep old stories alive, but what we can be sure of is the fact that this type of interaction stimulates happiness and leaves our residents feeling invigorated and energised.”

Sinead McElvanna, Owner at Start Smart Day Care supports Christine’s claims;

                “The Macklin Tots project was a wonderful opportunity for our kids to engage with a generation that in their day to day lives they never or rarely encounter. Many of their own grandparents are only in their 50’s so this has given them an insight into older people and even helps to alleviate their own fears, with no prior experience, even aides such a walking frame or a wheel chair can be intimidating. These children have thoroughly enjoyed their time with the residents and are loving the fact that they are graduating, but not only that, they now understand better about the aging process and have a greater respect for the older generation.”

Our Lady’s Care Home has recently undergone an impressive extension and refurbishment, creating an additional 12 beds and bringing the total number to 98. The extension has also created a new dementia unit. Our Lady’s Care Home is now the largest care home in the Macklin portfolio.

For further information on Our Lady’s Care Home Please visit www.macklincarehomes.com