Child Care/Senior Adult Care Links: Making Them Work

Abstract

This article focuses attention on intergenerational programs that connect childcare and adult-care programs. Based on the lessons learned from three intergenerational projects implemented in Honolulu, Hawaii over a 17-month period (from January 1998 to May 1999), tentative conclusions are presented about program facilitation strategies and resultant interaction dynamics. Results are drawn from a review of the extensive journals kept by college student interns who facilitated these projects, observations conducted at the program, interviews conducted with project staff and 20 hours of video footage documenting interaction dynamics. Six principles of program facilitation are discussed that have implications for generating patterns of intergenerational communication that are comfortable, stimulating, and enjoyable for the participants and conducive to relationship formation. In reporting how conclusions were derived, preliminary "false starts" are presented as well as accomplishments and successes.