Demand To Take Part in Mercy Health Intergenerational Program Reaches New Heights

Demand to participate in the Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged and Catherine McAuley College Bendigo iGEN (intergenerational education nexus) program has reached new heights in 2024 after 2023 saw another wonderful year of connection and relationship building.

The annual iGEN program sees Catherine McAuley College Bendigo students paired with local residents at both Mercy Health Bethlehem and Mercy Health’s senior living community Golden Rise Bendigo.

The 2024 program has seen more than 220 students apply to take part, a 26 per cent increase compared to 2023 applications.

iGEN Program Coordinator, Ellen Francis, said the growing demand for a place in the iGEN program is largely thanks to the unique and innovative design of the program.

“The iGEN program has been running at Mercy Health Bethlehem since 2020. In 2023 we added in weekly visits to Golden Rise senior living which was great to see the program expand allowing more students and residents to participate,” said Ms Francis.

“We have also increased the number of reciprocal visits and community activities between the residents and students which resulted in our residents attending school events including the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo school production, Year 10 class masses and opening of new buildings at the Coolock campus at Junortoun.”

As the program continues to have a positive impact on the day to day lives of residents and students, feedback from students also indicates their attitude towards aged care has improved, with a class survey indicating more than half of the student cohort would consider a job in aged care in the future.

“It’s wonderful to run a program that has influenced the career goals of many local students. We always enjoy welcoming previous iGEN students back to Mercy Health Bethlehem for VET placements and we hope that in the coming years students involved in our 2023 program will join us again too,” said Ms Francis.

Students who are involved in the program have the responsibility of investigating, planning and leading activities in conjunction with the residents. Activities have included producing a book of life advice, presenting on overseas trips, assisting residents with phones and iPads, soap making, running trivia & bingo sessions, arranging excursions, musical performances with residents, gardening and cooking amongst others.

Student testimonials from 2023 have revealed the intergenerational relationships which were created have improved students’ communication skills with many now feeling more confident communicating with people not only in their iGEN visits but also at their part time jobs and with their own families.

Year 10 Catherine McAuley College Bendigo student Caitlyn said she has recently noticed the skills she learnt in iGEN benefiting other parts of her life.

“I have definitely changed as a person in my day-to-day life from the iGEN program. I first noticed this at work a few weeks ago when I was clearing an older couple’s plates and having a conversation with them. I knew exactly what to say and how to keep the conversation flowing,” said Caitlyn.

“I later realised this was due to skills I learnt through iGEN!”

Mercy Health Bethlehem resident Sister Kathleen spoke fondly of all students involved and that the residents enjoyed the weekly visits and looked forward to planning their sessions with the students each week.

“Last year, I prepared something every week for my students such as an art experience. A lot of work went into it, but I got a lot of joy seeing them enjoy the sessions. The students responded really well, and I was so impressed with them” said Sister Kathleen.

“Preparing these experiences is good for my brain as I love education – I’m a born educator."

Find out more about Mercy Health