Impact of Inter-generational Programmes: Findings from St Joseph’s Home

St Joseph’s Home presented its three-years finding on inter-generational programmes (IGPs) for the first time at the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) conference in December 2020. As Singapore’s first nursing home to be co-located with an infant and childcare centre (ICC), St Joseph’s Home has been pioneering and advocating for quality IGPs.

Our findings (hyperlink: https://stjh.org.sg/research/) concur with existing research that suggests benefits to both generations involved in IGPs. Care staff observed improved mood and appetites in residents after participating in IGP. Participating residents also expressed greater willingness to participate in social activities. Participating children showed care and attentiveness to residents’ needs. They also showed more comfort being around older folks.

We are proud of May Wong, Head of Allied Health Services, Imelda Anthony, Principal of St Joseph’s Home Infant and Childcare Centre, and their teams for their latest presentation at the ADI conference.

Our Home’s care philosophy has always been “adding life to remaining years.” For residents, this is realised through the provision of care and support beyond just the physical aspects of living. We embed this in services and programmes to nurture residents emotionally, psychologically and spiritually to support wellbeing.

One good example is to continuously innovate and advocate for quality inter-generational programming. Our IGPs currently span across three-year-olds to over-100s. We actively collaborate with our co-located ICC, as well as childcare centres and schools in the community to pilot innovative programmes.

Want to innovate and champion quality eldercare with us? Write to us general@stjh.org.sg for partnership opportunities!