Bridging generations, building joy

Moments of connection can have a powerful impact on long-term care. Bringing children and residents together is helping foster joy, belonging and meaningful relationships.

Minoru resident playing game at a table with two young children.

At Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), we know that connection is at the heart of quality long-term care. At two of our long-term care homes in Richmond, intergenerational programs are bringing people together across generations, sparking joy, strengthening relationships and deepening connections within the community.

At Minoru Residence, residents take part in monthly art and music therapy sessions with preschoolers from Genius Education Academy. Working side by side, children and residents form meaningful one-to-one connections that support emotional well-being, build confidence and help reduce feelings of isolation. 

“Intergenerational programming is an important part of the social model of care,” says Ada Chow, a Social Worker at Minoru Residence. “Sharing moments of laughter and creativity through music and art helps children with seniors connect, regardless of abilities or language differences.”

seniors with young kids doing crafts at a table

At Richmond Lions Manor, staff introduced a new approach by hosting week-long children’s camps inside the home during the summer, winter and spring breaks. Children of staff members, aged five to 12, joined residents each day for activities designed to encourage conversation, learning and shared experiences. The home’s recreation team and Music Therapist worked together to create programs that were engaging, inclusive and meaningful for everyone involved. 

These intergenerational connections have brought renewed energy to both homes. Residents share that they feel less lonely and more engaged, while children gain empathy and a deeper understanding of aging. As one family member shared, “It’s wonderful to see how much joy the children bring to the residents.”

Through programs like these, we are creating moments that matter, bringing generations together, strengthening community and delivering care that values human connection as deeply as clinical support.