PHWP: Good Company Newsletter: Bringing Generations Together

March 10, 2010

Bringing Generations Together

Brookhaven Care Centre is part of the Canadian public health care system owned and operated by the Interior Health Authority. Brookhaven’s care philosophy encourages a thriving home-like environment in residential care, and the facility took it a step farther by creating the Lil’ Brooks Club, a program that allows employees’ children to join them at work and volunteer with the elderly residents, bringing generations together in a supportive and welcoming environment.

The program, which is open to children ages 5 through 12 and takes place during school breaks, offers opportunities for employees’ children to get involved in their community while accompanying their parents to work. Club members perform a variety of tasks under the direction of the leisure services staff and are able to interact with residents of different ages and abilities in a well-organized, safe environment.

As a result of the program, elders at Brookhaven have built lasting friendships with members of the Lil’ Brooks Club and the children gain a better appreciation of the important roles their parents play in other people’s lives. Employees also experience the comfort of knowing their children are safe, having fun and volunteering in their community.

Staffing shortages in health care are common and Brookhaven knows the importance of a quality workforce. As a result of the program, employee retention has improved and recruitment of new staff members has also increased. Brookhaven employees report that the program has contributed to a positive work environment, brought more laughter to the workplace, saved them money on childcare and taught their children valuable life skills of respect and compassion.

The Lil’ Brooks Club has been so successful that other Interior Health care homes plan to offer similar programs, and organizations throughout the province seek guidance from Brookhaven for planning and implementing their own initiatives. By engaging the next generation through the Lil’ Brooks program, Brookhaven Care Centre is not only creating a healthy environment for residents and staff, it is also helping to shape caring and hardworking youths today for a better tomorrow.

Brookhaven Care Centre received a 2010 Best Practices Honor from the American Psychological Association.

Reprinted with permission from the American Psychological Association.