Old & young on the Mentor program 

We all gathered in the communal games area of the home to set up a game of bingo for the residents to enjoy. The aged care workers set up our Mentors on a table each so they could help residents who may need a hand or might want to chat with our Mentors.

As the bingo started, it became clear who the competitive players were and who was just eager to have a conversation with their new visitors! The winners received chocolates for being the first one to call “bingo” and it was amazing to see the Mentors working so well with the residents. The residents and participants became more comfortable with each other as time went on.

Soon it was afternoon tea time for the residents and our Mentors got the opportunity to connect and converse with the residents over a cup of tea and a muffin. Some participants mentioned they either didn’t have a close relationship with their grandparents or had already lost them and similarly some of the residents didn’t get regular visits from any friends or family, so it was the perfect time for both parties to have the intergenerational connection and share their experiences with one another.

One of our Mentors who has an Italian background connected with an elderly lady who had originally been from the same area of Italy before moving to Australia. In the short time they had together that afternoon, they shared stories of each other’s families and made a beautiful connection.

Other residents at the home had their own memories of Cottage by the Sea, whether they had attended themselves many years ago or knew somebody close to them who had volunteered or worked at Cottage over the years.

It was a heart-warming afternoon to watch our Mentors come out of their shells and get to know some of the residents. Despite the large age gap, the participants found something to connect with them over – whether it was gardening, music, heritage or sharing stories.

When it was time to leave before the residents’ happy hour started, many participants hugged their new friends goodbye and wanted to stay longer!