A Survey of Intergenerational Programs in Australian Residential Aged Care Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

People living in residential aged care homes in Australia often have limited opportunities for meaningful social engagement. The present study aimed to characterize the state of intergenerational programs in residential aged care within a nationwide Australian sample. A total of 572 valid survey responses were received. A large number of aged care homes had existing programs, but only 18.2% had active programs; 44.4% reported their programs as temporarily suspended, predominantly due to COVID-19. The most common activities included singing (67.8%), games (56.8%), reading (51.1%) and craft (41.5%). Mental health and wellbeing, opportunity to socialize, and connection with the community were considered as the main benefits. There is consensus on the benefits of well-placed programming and engagement. Several barriers and challenges to engagement exist, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Aged care homes need adequate information and support to increase their ability to offer intergenerational programs between residents and community members. Contribution to the fieldThe survey provides insightinto intergenerational programs in Australian aged care homes during theCOVID-19 pandemicStaff completing the surveyreported positive views of the benefits of the programs to both old and youngparticipantsThefindings highlight the diversity of participants' ages, places, mode ofdelivery and types of activities - frequently singing, games, reading and craft, but also dancing andreminiscence, and even robotics. While COVID-19 posed significant challenges,there were creative solutions including written letters and shared journals,virtual interaction and simple strategies such as access to areas whereresidents could observe children at play or in passing.