New Program Inspires Friendship and Fun at Peacehaven

Continuing our focus on intergenerational programs making a positive difference to the lives of our residents, let’s take a look at this wonderful new initiative at our Peacehaven aged care home in Norwood, Tasmania. 

Thanks to a special partnership with Playgroup Tasmania, every week the home’s residents have been looking forward to welcoming a local playgroup of young children for a special program brimming with opportunities for cross-generational engagement, connection-building and – most of all – wonderful moments of friendship and fun. 

Our home’s excitement to welcome the visiting children was probably best exemplified by resident Lyndsay (you can see him in the photo with the party hat and pet parrot!). During their first meeting, Lyndsay wanted to entertain the playgroup by singing a few songs before reading them a story. And while his eyesight isn’t the best, our staff filled him in on the book’s theme, so he was able to bring to life the story in his own unique way.

The fun times didn’t stop there, thanks to several hands-on activities designed to promote group engagement and communication. And with the ongoing program proving such a hit, the fantastic collaboration is set to continue well into 2025. 

Katrina Sherrif is Peacehaven’s Social Care Coordinator, and she says it’s been wonderful to see how much happiness these gatherings have been bringing both residents and students.

“From the very first session, you could see it in everyone’s faces just how enjoyable it was. The children call our residents their “friends” and it was such a natural interaction for all of them. No hesitation at all which was beautiful to watch,” Katrina said. 

“Programs like this are important because it gives our residents a ‘sense of themselves’. It reminds them of their self-worth and their personal identity. It really was a very natural engagement between the wise and the innocent, where everyone came together in wonderment to explore, learn and have fun in a safe environment.  

“I must say for a couple of us staff members, it was a beautiful time which bought a tear to our eyes.”