‘All in a day's play’ – An intergenerational playgroup in a residential aged care facility

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Abstract
A playgroup was established in 2009 in a residential aged care facility. Qualitative data were collected at baseline and 6 months after commencement. Interviewer administered questionnaires were undertaken with residents at baseline and post implementation. Residents were also invited to attend a focus group. The parents and staff were asked to complete a questionnaire at baseline and at 6 months. This study focuses mainly on the experiences of residents involved in the playgroup. It also describes responses from parents about impact on residents and children and from staff about impact on residents and the facility to expand on the views of the residents. The playgroup, which comprised 16 weekly sessions, was found to have a positive effect for residents. The positive effects were identified as themes which included changing attitudes to residential aged care facilities and child behaviour, enjoyment, reflections on childhood, and increased intergenerational interaction and communication. A facilitated playgroup was effectively established in a residential aged care facility and residents reported overall positive experiences and were accepting of a playgroup in their place of residence. The paper considers the implications of this for wider application.

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