Through Our Eyes: A Pastoral Care Bridge Linking the Generations

The Reminiscence program, Through Our Eyes, was initiated in 2011 as a pilot project at Carrington Care, a 308-bed residential aged care facility in Camden, New South Wales, Australia. The project involved a group of 10 high school students and five aged-care residents. The purpose of the project was to provide a connection point for young people and our older residents, to meet and work collaboratively on a meaningful project that would be mutually beneficial. Qualitative feedback obtained in the succeeding program demonstrated that students and residents were very appreciative of the opportunity to meet and learn from each other. Residents were pleasantly surprised by the genuine respect and interest shown by the young people, and they appreciated the opportunity to have their story heard. Students gained knowledge, skills, and confidence as a result of their interactions with the residents. The project was truly collaborative, involving older and younger people in a purposeful and meaningful activity, building and strengthening community relationships across generations.