Earlier this month, Abbeyfield Hoylake & West Kirby was filled with laughter, chatter and the sound of busy hands as we welcomed children from Caroline’s Childminding and Trinity Childminding for a morning of autumn crafting. It was one of those special mornings that capture everything we love about life at Lear House.
The tables were soon covered with pine cones, ribbons and bird seed as our residents and the children teamed up to make autumn wreaths and bird feeders. The mix of generations working side by side was a joy to watch. Little hands helping older ones, and plenty of smiles all round as everyone got stuck in. Using dumpling mix to bind the bird seed, the group chatted, laughed and learned together, showing exactly what life-enriching activities for older adults look like in practice.
Once the crafts were finished, we proudly hung the wreaths and took the bird feeders out to the garden, placing them carefully on the bird table. By the next day, all four had completely disappeared, a clear sign that our feathered friends had given them a big seal of approval! It sparked even more excitement and conversation among residents, who now keep a close eye on the garden hoping for a glimpse of their happy visitors.
Moments like these remind us why community-led care in Merseyside is at the heart of what we do. Bringing children into our home brings fresh energy, laughter and learning, while giving our residents the joy of companionship and purpose. It’s these small yet meaningful experiences that help us provide supportive senior living in Wirral, making every day brighter and more rewarding.
At Abbeyfield Hoylake & West Kirby, we believe that caring for older people with dignity and respect also means keeping them connected to the wider community. Intergenerational activities like this one are a beautiful way to do just that, sharing stories, sparking creativity and strengthening bonds that span generations.
As our residents enjoy watching the birds feast on their handmade treats, we can’t help but feel grateful for mornings like this — full of friendship, laughter and a little bit of crafty magic.
