The sound of children’s laughter rings through Aveo’s Cleveland Gardens Retirement Living at Ormiston every Friday when a group of excited little visitors arrives for some fun and play with their ‘grandfriends’.
The partnership between Aveo and Play Matters Australia last month marked three years and is one of the longest running intergenerational playgroup programs bringing the young and young at heart together.
Play Matters’ Ageless Play program connects generations by providing mutual benefits for seniors, children and their parents or caregivers while building relationships, skills and confidence through play.
Resident Eileen Heidemann, who has lived at Cleveland Gardens for the past 12 months, says she never misses the weekly visits by the children and their parents or caregivers.
“It’s a special time watching the things the little ones start to do as they progress and grow. We have a little bub learning to crawl at the moment,’’ Eileen says.
“I have 14 great-grandchildren, eight grandchildren and four children of my own, but I love chatting with and having cuddles with the little ones. It’s very special.’’
Mum Claire Twomey says both she and son Elwood, aged almost four, love the time they spend with the residents.
“Elwood looks forward to Fridays as he knows we visit our ‘grandfriends’ after his swimming lesson,’’ she says.
“My husband and I are from Ireland and with Elwood’s grandparents overseas it’s wonderful for him to connect with an older generation.
“He has learned to play differently with them and is more patient and gentler than he would be with his friends or with us. Elwood loves tossing a ball to Beryl and having stories read to him by Lynda.
“Friday is my day off work, so I also get an opportunity to sit and chat with the residents who all have fascinating stories to share.’’
Carly Kotynski, Events and Activities Coordinator at Cleveland Gardens, says the residents benefit socially and emotionally by having quality interactions with the children and parents.
“It’s wonderful to watch the different generations interacting – sometimes there are three or four in the one room. Close bonds do form and there’s always lots of smiles,’’ she says.
“Some of the residents may not see their own families as often as they would like but at playgroup, they have the opportunity to experience the joy that babies and young children bring.’’
Aveo Cleveland Gardens is located at 83 Freeth Street West, Ormiston, offering a range of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. For more information on availability, see the listings on Downsizing.com.au
To learn more about the Play Matters’ Ageless Play program, or to find a play experience near you, visit playmatters.org.au or call 1800 00 PLAY.
About Aveo
As Australia’s leading and most innovative retirement living provider Aveo owns and manages a diverse portfolio of communities. For over 30 years, Aveo has been dedicated to helping retired Australians be their best selves across every stage of their later life journey. Aveo is committed to delivering the best retirement living options, continually listening and learning about what our customers want so that we can provide and foster communities where you can truly live well.
