When the residents in Bethanie Beachside aged care were first introduced to the kids at Two Rock Primary School, they had no idea that these children would eventually become their pen pals.
The Year Two students at Two Rock Primary School received a few visits from the seniors at Bethanie last year, but current isolation protocols meant that they would have to find a new way to stay in contact.
Now in Year 3, the students have decided to put their writing and drawing skills into action by sending colourful envelopes with heartfelt messages of support to their isolated elderly friends.
The positive effects that stem from interactions between seniors and children have become well known in recent times following the ABCs groundbreaking “Old People’s Home for Four Year Old’s” program.
The strength of these bonds between the Two Rock children and Bethanie residents were on full display throughout the letter writing process, with many kids addressing their letters with the specific names of their favourite residents.
Bethanie Beachside resident, Edwin Mileham, was one of many who received a personalised letter, and judging by the content, it seems his new young friend Emily cant wait to until they can visit again in person.
Emily’s letter to Edwin reads:
To Edwin,
Seniors citizens are special because they are very kind, generous and of course they have been on earth longer than us! I wish you good luck. I love you all and I hope you are all doing good. I do remember Edwin. I hope you are all great goodbye Bethanies! PS Edwin is generous, beautiful and of course kind.
From Emily. D.
Bethanie Beachside Occupational Therapist Emily Baker said, “It is times like these when a little note like this can absolutely lift everyone’s spirits. I encourage more people to do it as it brings such a huge smile to the faces of our residents.
“It was such a thoughtful and meaningful gesture from the students at Two Rocks Primary School and when the time comes where we can connect the two groups again, I am sure Edwin will be most pleased to personally thank Emily for his letter.”
Giving children the opportunity to write letters to aged care homes is a fantastic means of keeping residents engaged while helping kids expand their writing and social skills.
Hopefully, we see even more initiatives of this kind over the coming weeks.
