Hola amigos! – Spanish classes spark new friendships at Weald Heights care home in Sevenoaks

‘Studies have shown that learning a new language can delay the onset of dementia by up to six years…’

RESIDENTS at a care home in Sevenoaks have invited local parents and their toddlers to join them for an interactive series of Spanish lessons.

The residents at Care UK’s Weald Heights, on Bourchier Close, welcomed the younger generation to the care home for a series of intergenerational language classes. The sessions included singing and dancing to Spanish songs with the help of Spanish language teaching group, Kidslingo.

The intergenerational classes aim to improve emotional and physical wellbeing of both toddlers and older people using the mixture of music, games, role-play, drama and storytelling.

The lessons are attended by mothers and toddlers from the community, eager to learn a new language and spend time chatting with Rosa González, the Kidslingo teacher, and the residents over a cup of tea.

Maria Covington, home manager at Weald Heights, said: “We were thrilled to be able to host Rosa’s Kidslingo classes, and delighted to welcome parents and children from our local community to join in the fun. Learning a new language is not only beneficial to cognitive health, but it also encourages social interaction, creativity, and self-confidence, which is therapeutic and engaging for both residents and toddlers.

“The Spanish lessons have been a huge success, and we’d like to thank Rosa for visiting us. We hope to continue these lessons in the new year, and look forward to welcoming the local community to our future sessions.”

Teacher Rosa added: “It is a pleasure to teach Spanish at Weald Heights, especially when the residents are so eager to get involved with teaching the toddlers. Studies have shown that learning a new language can delay the onset of dementia by up to six years.

“The children love hearing about the stories and memories of the residents, and the classes introduce them to a learning environment they may not ordinarily experience – which is beneficial to everyone in the class.”

Weald Heights has been designed to provide residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as respite, end of life and palliative care. The ethos at Weald Heights is based on person-centred care, which means residents’ values are right at the heart of the home. Choice, variety and luxury are built into every aspect of life at the home, which offers a combination of professional, individualised care and luxury hotel-style comfort.

For more information on Weald Heights, please call customer relations manager, Amelia Moore, on 01732 809 189, or email: amelia.moore2@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/weald-heights.