It's not just child's play

New Kinder Village at Episcopal Homes explores inter-generational community

Article and photos by MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN

The Episcopal Homes of Minnesota has been providing shelter and services to seniors for 121 years. Walking past their campus at Fairview and University avenues, you’re likely to hear an unexpected noise: the laughter of small children. In addition to the newly opened pool, fitness center, restaurant and hair salon, Episcopal Homes is now offering on-site child care in an innovative program called Kinder Village.

The concept behind the program is simple. Its goal is to bring senior residents and young children (from six weeks to five years) together, to build a more inter-generational community.

Pam Tufts, Kinder Village director, explained, “Our program is open to families in the neighborhood, grandchildren of residents and children of staff.” The philosophy of Episcopal Homes is that bringing elders and young children together will enhance the community for all.

Photo left: Pam Tufts, Kinder Village director, came from a corporate child care background where she managed centers of 125+ children. Kinder Village is licensed for 23 children, with a few spaces remaining. The small size, dedicated staff and interaction with residents offers children many opportunities for social engagement—and fun.

The child care center, located at 504 Lynnhurst Ave., is bright and cheerful with windows overlooking Iris Park across the street. Twice a day, weather permitting, the older children take hands and march outside to the Kinder Village playground with their teachers and a volunteer resident or two.

It’s a relationship that benefits everyone. Children get extra supervision and play time with caring adults. Seniors get the joy of “being children again themselves,” as resident Truus Ingebritson said. “I’m 89 years old. I still have a lot of responsibilities but when I’m with the kids, I feel like I can just play.”

Research has shown that children who regularly play with adults show more creativity and better problem-solving skills. According to the findings of Generations United, a non-profit dedicated to promoting inter-generational play, “engaging with adults supports children’s optimal cognitive and social development.”

What’s in it for the seniors?

Regular play offers psychological and health benefits to the elder population too, including reduced depression and anxiety. Building and maintaining relationships through play is associated with better mental and physical health, as well as a stronger sense of purpose.

“We have two residents who come to the child care center one afternoon each week,” Tufts said. “Neither of them has grandchildren of their own, but the kids here all call them Grandma. They engage with the children in different ways depending on the day, sometimes rocking babies to sleep or reading to the older children. In a society that is so stratified by age, this can only be described as a win-win situation.”

The playground volunteers and designated grandmas come from independent or semi-independent living situations. There are also opportunities for children to interact with seniors receiving more intensive services.

A wing of Episcopal Homes, called The Gardens, is Minnesota’s first nursing home facility designed around the trail-blazing model of “Green House Care.” In this model, quality of life is put at the center of daily life, and daily life is meant to resemble a home rather than an institution. Residents live in communities of no more than ten seniors and two caregivers. They can assist in preparing their meals and caring for their living space if they are able.

When the children visit The Gardens, they enjoy stories spoken or read by the caregivers and, in the process, become part of the residents’ lives.

Every other week, the children are invited to participate in music games with an Episcopal Homes music therapist in The Gardens. “The children may help residents with finger plays and gentle movement activities to music, as many of the residents are wheelchair bound,” according to Tufts. “All of this exposure to seniors really benefits our children, and vice-versa. Kinder Village is unique to Episcopal Homes of Minnesota and was the brainchild of our Chief Operating Officer Mike Karel.”

So, whether you are 9 or 99, if you’re looking for a fun, easy way to enjoy lifelong benefits for your heart and mind – PLAY.