Intergenerational: an initiative with multiple benefits
It all started with a change in the school holiday calendar in Belgium last May. Some of our employees at the Tubize retirement home in Belgium found themselves unprepared and without childcare. So Frédéric Verlaine, director of the nursing home had an idea: open the doors of his establishment to the children of his staff! It's a project that's already been emulated...
Promoting intergenerational links
On paper, the idea is primarily practical for nursing and supervisory staff who have no childcare options during the school vacations. They can bring their children with them to work and benefit from free, local and safe childcare. Every day, between 5 and 10 children benefit from the supervision of the medical-care team, with the support of a student or an activity leader, depending on their number and the organization of the establishment.
In practice, it's a win-win situation for all concerned, and since the Tubize pilot project, the benefits of the initiative have become apparent. The presence of children in the establishment is a source of laughter, entertainment and, indeed, life for the residents! Fostering intergenerational links between residents and staff children is probably the project's greatest benefit. The children take part in the activities, offer their help to the residents or vice versa, and are “mentored” by their elders, who thus have the opportunity to pass on their knowledge and share their experience.
During care, the children can take advantage of the library or a special activity dedicated to them. Throughout the day, they take part in the life of the facility, sharing meals with their grandparents for the day or distributing bottles of water, for example! Bonds are forged, the residents' daily lives are enlivened and the children enjoy a vacation like no other.
Promoting care and support professions
Another advantage of this innovative idea? Promoting the professions within our facilities. In addition to learning about their parents' day-to-day lives and jobs, the children discover the multitude of care and support professions. After a vacation spent in contact with activity leaders, nurses, physiotherapists and even cooks... what if this initiative gave rise to vocations? Whatever the case, these moments create memories for our residents, the team and the children. They also foster a culture of empathy, benevolence and respect.
A successful pilot already bearing fruit
There's no doubt about it: the initiative has been a resounding success. And it's already being duplicated! In fact, this summer, 11 of our sites (6 in Wallonia, 3 in Flanders and 2 in Brussels) are taking part and welcoming employees' children. Depending on parents' needs, for varying lengths of time, in complete safety and to the delight of young and oldalike!
Opening up our facilities to the outside world, to local life, is one of our commitments.Through our mission, we aim to have a positive impact not only on the patients and residents who place their trust in us, but also on society as a whole.
Fostering intergenerational links between residents and staff children is probably the project's greatest benefit.