Intergenerational Program for People with Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

This intergenerational program forms a community of people from all walks of life, all ages, and all abilities that love, honor, and respect each other. Partnerships are formed between pre-school classrooms and adult units through daily activities like instrument playing, singing, painting, ceramics, bead making, swimming, cooking, tea parties, games, storytelling, visiting and exercise programs.

Organization:

St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc.

The mission of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care is to provide community-based health and educational services for children and frail adults and to serve as a resource and support for caregivers. The Center, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, reflects Franciscan values in meeting the spiritual, psychological, social and physical needs of all who participate regardless of faith, culture or ability to pay.

Location:

Milwaukee, WI

How does it work?

St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc. houses day care facilities for both young and older populations. Adult clients who have expressed interest in interacting with children are identified when they are admitted to the day care program. Specific units are paired up with a child care classroom based on children's age and abilities of both groups. The younger children are generally paired with the frail elderly and those with memory loss. Generally those with severe physical handicaps are paired with older children who are less fearful.

Why is it successful?

Every year St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc. surveys their clients and caregivers. When Shepherd House clients are asked if they have a good time when children visit, most say "always" and add comments like, "They make me happy. They sit in my lap and I read to them." Most caregivers also said their loved ones enjoyed contact with the children. One parent wrote, "This builds confidence and social skills in our child that we really notice when we compare to other kids the same age who have not been around many types of people. We really appreciate this aspect of St. Ann's."

For more information: www.stanncenter.org