It is based on the successful Through our Eyes program refined over the past seven years by Carrington with Magdalene Catholic High School in Narrellen NSW. The program won Meaningful Ageing’s 2016 Award for national aged care quality pastoral and spiritual care practice and formed the basis for the Guide.
Many aged care facilities already run these sorts of programs that recognise the positive benefits for both the students in understanding older people, and the older person in recalling important moments in their life.
“This guide helps those who would like to start or improve a program on how to go about it,” Ilsa Hampton, Meaningful Ageing CEO, said.
“It provides details on how to establish partnerships with local schools; select and brief student participants and older people, monitoring the partnerships; recognise and celebrate the final product with all participants including families; and handle specific issues and challenges such as the death of an older person during the project.
“It also provides useful resources for project participation, selections, interviews, and reviewing the program from the point of view of the older person, family and the student.
“Part of our quality awards process is that the award recipient shares what they have learnt so others can benefit from their work,” she said.
“It is about breaking the barriers between generations, providing opportunities for students to develop their communication skills and confidence and establishing a lasting connection to their community.”
The guide can be purchased from Meaningful Ageing at www.meaningfulageing.org.au/resources
