The student project launched in fall 2023 by our Sandhausen senior citizens' facility "Domizil am Leimbach" with the Pestalozzi School Sandhausen is being extended following positive feedback all round. The initiative builds a bridge between the generations: The young people gain practical experience in housekeeping, care and dealing with senior citizens. In turn, the residents of our retirement home can reminisce about times gone by and spend convivial hours with the young people.
Bridge between the generations: Young people gain valuable insights into working and interacting with senior citizens
The student project, which was launched by two dedicated trainee teachers from the Pestalozzi School in Sandhausen in the fall of 2023, gives 7th grade students practical experience in dealing with senior citizens. The young people can get to know the lives and needs of older people and gain an insight into the working world of a retirement home. In January, they opened an intergenerational café at their school, which the residents of our retirement home visit every month. Thanks to the positive feedback on both sides, the fruitful cooperation has now been continued.
Teenagers learn to treat senior citizens with care and meet their needs
Under the experienced guidance of our nursing and care staff, the young people are trained in housekeeping and caring for the elderly. They immerse themselves in everyday routines, learn how to interact with senior citizens, games, activities and catering. For example, they can use so-called age simulation suits to experience for themselves which movements older people may find more difficult. Conversation cards support the teenagers in their exchanges with the senior citizens.
Initiative is a "win-win situation" for everyone
Initiative is a "win-win situation" for everyoneJennifer Rudek, manager of our retirement home in Sandhausen, is enthusiastic about this project, which benefits both the students and the residents. "Our residents really look forward to the monthly excursions and talk about them for days. At the same time, we can provide important impetus for the teenagers' career choices. It's a win-win situation for everyone." Caregiver Ula Janik adds: "It's wonderful to see how our seniors blossom when they reminisce about old times. "This is where I brought my children. This is where I went to school." This is a topic of conversation long before and even after the excursions.
Our senior citizens' facility "Domizil am Leimbach" has five residential areas with a total of 75 care places, a protected area for people with dementia and 33 apartments suitable for senior citizens in the "assisted living" area.