b'CREATING CONNECTIONSIn the spring of 2018, a researcher from the Schlegel- of the Jamboree session every week, she seemed like an UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) joined the team toentirely different person. She would participate calmly, provide evaluative support for the Jamboree. Togetherand even helped the music therapist in singing nursery with researchers from the RIA, the University of Waterloo,rhymes to the children. Staff members noted that, on and the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research, the team hasJamboree days, there was a palpable sense of anticipation, now secured funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundationwith the program leading to a positive atmosphere and and the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation toopportunities for communication for both residentsformally study the benefits of this novel program for and staff.all involved. Key findings from the evaluation of the Jamboree are Preliminary findings from the evaluation are very positive,that intergenerational music therapy can facilitate social with excellent rates of resident attendance at the musicinteraction, elicit memories and reminiscence, and therapy program (over 90%). Participating residents werecontribute to meaningful relationships amongst residents, actively engaged in the musical activities and interactedchildren from the local community, and long-term care positively with the children, their accompanying adults,staff. This collaboration is an exciting example of how point fellow residents, and staff. The children blossomed whenof care staff and researchers can work together to study, around their adopted grandmas and grandpas. Oneimprove, and expand the intergenerational opportunities caregiver described their approach to the Village: Whenfor residents of long-term care. LTCTwe would pull in the driveway, she would just about jump out of her car seat if she wasnt held in. Family members thoroughly enjoyed the program and reported that the children formed close bonds with the residents during theirKate Dupuis, Ph.D., C.Psych., is Schlegel time at the Village. One family member said, I just love theInnovation Leader at the Centre for Elder interaction among the residents and the kids. And to watchResearch, Sheridan College. For more the joy on the faces of both ages was wonderful.information about the research described in Staff observed positive effects of the Jamboree sessionsthis paper, or to find out more about how to on the residents in their care. One beautiful example ofintroduce intergenerational activities into your the power of the program was found in one residentown long-term care home, please contactwho, outside of the program, often sought to return tokate.dupuis@sheridancollege.ca.her room and was very vocal. However, for the duration Introducing the complete 2 in 1 Fall Prevention SYSTEM. FINALLY Beauty, Safety, Affordability & Independent Living Combined!Discover the entire assortment at www.brontecollection.cawww.brontecollection.caOLTCA 60th Anniversary 1/2 Horizontal bronte Grabcessories Ad.indd 1 2019-06-25 8:44 AMwww.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 37'