Merging orphanage and nursing home/old home
Study was carried out on the pros and cons of merging nursing home(also known as old home, in some countries) and orphanage. In 2016, both in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, children from orphanage and elderlies from the nursing were brought together for few sessions[1]. The sessions included bi-monthly cooking, crafts, bingo, Halloween parades and other activities to “build connections between the children and the seniors,” according to the article. And the results were promising. They found that a few days in each others’ company resulted in “life affirming interactions” and the care staff commented on that the intergenerational project had been very beneficial[1].
Though, there were rumors that such mergers happened in Canada. But it was found not to be true.
During my stay in Asia, Europe and North America, I had a chance to interact with people from different age groups, ethnicities and backgrounds. At the end of the day, across humanity, aged people, mostly, are very much fond of companionship and lighter moments. Medical and other logistic benefits are not the only important thing in their life. Love and compassion is equality important. Children also need love and experienced training for their healthy mental growth and future life. Those can be easily be shared in an environment where both such kinds cohabitates. Merging old home and orphanage could build an echo system where people can support and take care of each other. I like to believe that such mergers can bring financial benefits as well.
PS: Merger does not mean both the age group needs to reside in the same room or same building. There residences can be separate but in the same compound, or at least in proximity.
