Troy Shantz
A new program at a city nursing home is like visiting the grandparents.
Vision Buddies is playgroup for moms and tots at Vision Nursing Home that includes story time, songs and other activities — all done under the adorning eyes of home residents.
The response has been overwhelming, said program creator Bevin Perdu.
“I had all these friends that were like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s awesome! I want to join, I want to join,’” said the Sarnia resident who developed the one-hour, weekly program while on maternity leave last year.
“We actually have a number of people on a wait list.”
The program, which has been extended beyond its initial six-week run, features an average of 12 moms and their babies held in a common area. Nursing home staff usher in curious residents.
“The seniors, they really just kind of like watching the kids play. They like seeing them smile, interact and laugh,” said Purdu.
“That’s what it’s really about. I don’t think any of them care about the story … it’s seeing the kids’ reaction.”
Kerri Hill is the program service coordinator at Vision. Staff was thrilled when Purdu presented the idea, she said.
“I think it brings them back to when they had their own children,” said Hill, “You can just see by the smiles on their faces it brightens their day.”
Purdu, who runs the program with her sister and a few volunteers, had been funding it out-of-pocket and with donations.
But an Awesome Foundation grant late last year has ensured it’s well stocked with toys, books and craft supplies, she said.
“My goal is to show nursing homes and retirement homes a really simple concept, that you just gather the kids and gather the toys, and away you go.”
Intergenerational socialization programs have been gaining momentum in recent years, based on the evidence that shows health benefits for seniors.
Purdu said she couldn’t believe something like this wasn’t already occurring in Sarnia.
“And I kind of was sad, because I thought, this is such a simple idea, but it’s not been done.”
She hopes to see Vision Buddies expand into other nursing homes and rest homes. At least one ‘pop-up’ story time for a different residence is planned.
Purdu said at one session a woman reached out and grabbed and hugged her daughter.
“My daughter afterwards asked, ‘Why did she do that mommy?’” Purdu recalled.
“I had to explain to her about physical touch, that you know, we need hugs to survive, and these older people do too. Unfortunately a lot of them don’t get that contact every day.”