Residents at Wilton Manor Care Home, part of the Sanders Senior Living Group, are building lasting friendships with the younger generation through regular visits from children at Melton Mowbray Day Nursery, bringing laughter, creativity and cherished memories to the home.
Each month, a group of six children from the nursery visits Wilton Manor to spend time with residents, taking part in a range of activities including singing, baking, arts and crafts, and games. The visits provide opportunities for residents and children to learn from one another, share experiences and enjoy quality time together.
The relationship began through the initiative of Louise Castilla, Lifestyle Lead at Wilton Manor, and Ashleigh Pattinson, Manager at Melton Mowbray Day Nursery on Dalby Road. Recognising the benefits of bringing different generations together, they have worked to establish the visits as a regular and much-loved part of life at the home.
For many residents, the visits hold particular significance. Several spent their working lives in roles involving children, including teaching, nursing and nursery care, while others have fond memories of volunteering in their communities. Spending time with the children allows residents to reconnect with these experiences, share their knowledge and feel a renewed sense of purpose.
Ashleigh Pattinson, Manager at Melton Mowbray Day Nursery, said: “The children absolutely love visiting the care home and spending time with the residents. They really enjoy taking part in activities together, sharing laughter, making memories and building meaningful friendships across the generations.
“These visits are so special, bringing joy to both the children and residents, and it’s wonderful to see the connections that grow from spending time together.”
Louise Castilla, Lifestyle Lead at Wilton Manor, added: “Our residents really look forward to their visits from the children. Their smiles and laughter are infectious and really brighten our day.
“The visits give purpose and value to our residents, particularly those who have worked with children in the past. There is something very special about watching the way they interact together.”
Resident Joyce particularly enjoys the opportunity to share her love of singing with the children, drawing on her own experiences as a Sunday School teacher.
Joyce said: “Having the children come here makes me feel really happy. I used to be a Sunday School teacher and I love singing nursery rhymes with the children. Sometimes, they teach us new nursery rhymes that we have never heard of, too.”
The most recent visit embraced the changing season, with residents and children heading outdoors to collect autumn leaves, twigs and conkers before using their natural finds to create colourful autumn pictures together.
The monthly visits reflect Wilton Manor’s commitment to enriching residents’ lives through meaningful relationships, shared experiences and engaging activities. By bringing generations together, the home continues to create opportunities for residents to share their skills, celebrate their memories and form new friendships within the local community.
