Fun and Games as Care Home Residents Welcome Local Pupils

A group of Key Stage Two children from St Budeaux’s Marine Academy spent a fun hour playing games and chatting with their residents of neighbouring at Butterfly Lodge nursing home.

The recent get-together was the latest in a series of regular visits by children from the school, with both parties keen to keep them happening as often as possible.

Sarah McCaffrey, deputy manager of Butterfly Lodge, said: “For our residents, who are all living with dementia, it is an absolute joy to have this connection with young people.

“Their faces light up when the children arrive, and there’s no hesitation on either side about getting to know each other and enjoying some hands-on activities together.

“For this visit we placed a number of games around the residents’ lounge, such as jenga, giant dominoes, snakes and ladders and Connect 4.

“These are evergreen favourites, enjoyed by young and old alike, and the residents and children couldn’t wait to get stuck in. There was a lot of laughing going on.

“We also put out some jigsaw puzzles, and books that our residents and visitors could enjoy together if they fancied a quieter activity.

“And a throw-the-beanbag-at-the-cans game was available for those who wanted something a bit more active.

“Basically there was something for everyone, and perhaps the most important aspect of the visit was the conversations that took place between our ladies and gents and their young friends.

“We are very grateful to Mr Druce of Marine Academy for making this visit possible.”

Senior assistant headteacher, Alex Druce, said: “There was a wonderful atmosphere and lots of smiles on faces: I felt this visit was even better than the last one.

“Many thanks to the Butterfly Lodge team for putting out some friendly games and refreshments, as well as being supportive in facilitating activities.

“And very well done to the children, who were such brilliant role-models, for spreading joy in our community.”