Sutton Coldfield residents bridging the age gap

Residents at a Sutton Coldfield care home have made a host of new young friends.

Working in partnership with Kiddibop, Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, has been offering weekly intergenerational sessions to residents, the first care home in the region to do so.   

Kiddibop is a local organisation which runs music and play classes for children under five. As part of their joint pilot project with Mercia Grange, Kiddibop is hosting its weekly classes at the care home, giving residents an opportunity to join in.

Joyce, a resident at Mercia Grange, said: ”It was the best afternoon ever. It was great to hear the music and see the children.”

Amy Barton, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “We love welcoming the Kiddibop team and children on Thursdays – the sessions are a definite highlight every week and many residents look forward to them.

“Intergenerational relationships are proven to be enriching for both sides, providing older people with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. The sessions also give residents an opportunity to reminisce about raising their own children many years ago – and sometimes even to share their best parenting tips with the parents who attend.

“We’re already looking forward to our next session – and we’d like to invite any parents of young children in Sutton Coldfield to book their space with the Kiddibop team so they can join us for an afternoon of intergenerational fun.”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care.

The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Mercia Grange, please call Customer Relations Manager, Rachel Mackay, on 0121 314 3196, or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/mercia-grange