From Good Good Good News – thanks to Pam P.
Twelve years ago, a Dutch nursing home — the Woon-en Zorgcentrum Humanitas Deventer — implemented a unique program.
In exchange for 30 hours of their time and companionship each month, local college students could live in the care center rent-free.
“It started with the idea of becoming the warmest home for seniors in Deventer,” Gea Sijpkes, director of WZC Humanitas, said in a statement. “And we wanted to do that with the energy of the youth.”
For Sijpkes, it’s a win-win. Recent studies find that intergenerational friendships can mitigate stress, lower depression, and boost self-esteem in older people.
“At the same time, there was a shortage of student housing, which meant that more and more young people were staying at home. I then thought: why don’t I combine the two?”
The director went on to explain that “the students are not caregivers” but instead “good neighbors.” (continue on page 2 in Skyline Happenings)