Art class brings generations together

Residents at ACH Group's Milpara Residential Living, Rostrevor, know when it’s time for art time with a group of kindergarten students – they hear the giggles.

Once a month on a Wednesday afternoon, a busload of energetic pre-schoolers from Emali Child Care Hectorville arrive at Milpara to share art with residents.

As they wander through, the group lights up the faces of staff, volunteers and residents as they shout a happy ‘hello!’. Lifestyle coordinator Daniel Antonello hands out colouring sheets and textas and the children settle down to colour, proudly showing off their work as they go.

The children also sing some of their favourite songs with the group. Emali Child Care Hectorville Director Leanne Barker says the program has been a great success since it began 18 months ago.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with the community and I think it’s also a good experience for the children to go out and meet different age groups,” she says.

“And, of course, it’s clear that the residents love it as well.”

Resident Carole Duvoisin says she looks forward to the visits.

“I think it’s fantastic to share this time with the kids,” she says.

“It’s nice to see the very old and very young together – we all enjoy it.”

Northern Regional Residential Services Manager Graham Harding says the program sits well with ACH Group’s core values.

“Research shows that people who are active and socially connected are happier and have a better sense of wellbeing and overall health,” he says.

“By bringing the generations together, we are providing an opportunity for people who live in our residential homes to remain connected and engage with the community.”

Click here to find out more about ACH Group's aged care services.