Resthaven Bellevue Heights, SA

The program was initiated when a resident commented that they would like to have more involvement with younger people. Since then, Resthaven management was worked with local schools to enhance the lives of residents and students.

The project has resulted in benefits for both the young and old:

• Bellevue Heights Primary students visit the home for one-on-one interaction, and are 'buddied' up with a resident to compile their life history
• Students from Blackwood High visit the home for Australian history lessons and to learn colonial dancing
• Residents visit the primary school to teach knitting skills. Students also visit the home for lessons
• Resthaven's dementia trainer provided education to students about understanding the ageing process and social issues that elderly people face
• the local play group has relocated to the Resthaven site. They meet every Friday morning, with babies, toddlers,  mothers, grandmothers and residents involved in nursing, feeding, playing and discussing issues with parents (and babies come away with plenty of cuddles and kisses)
• primary school students from other countries share their stories about their home countries with residents.

Results of the program have been overwhelmingly positive. One resident's family was so pleased with the pairing of the students with residents that they read the resident's life history (written by a student) as part of their loved one's eulogy. Surveys of residents have revealed that the visits and interaction with young people "stops me from feeling old".

Some benefits cannot be measured. During a playgroup session, a resident with dementia was unsettled. A three-year-old boy spontaneously offered his hand. The resident was delighted, as was the little boy.