Ash McSweeney knows how a deep clean makes things sparkle.
But now the Cleaning Supervisor at Uniting AgeWell Andrew Kerr Care Community is also noticing a sparkle in the air since the opening of The Herd Intergenerational Learning Centre next door.
And it’s not only the residents who have a renewed sense of zest and fun. Her son, Mason, is also glowing as he basks in the undivided attention of the older residents when he shows them his trucks and does finger painting with them.
Mason has been at The Herd – the first childcare centre to be under the same roof as an aged care facility in Victoria – since it opened this year.
Residents of the aged care facility regularly come together with the children to share scheduled activities, including art, music and storytelling and they can also visit a special lounge space whenever they want to watch the children play. While some residents have the opportunity to volunteer at the centre, helping with activities like story time.
Ash, of course, is delighted that her three-year-old son is so close to her while she is at work. “Every now and again I will peep through the glass viewing window and watch him hi-fiving the residents and listening to their stories,” she says. “It’s awesome.”
It’s also convenient for pick-ups and drop-offs and means she can spend her lunch breaks with Mason if she chooses, though most of the time he’s having so much fun she doesn’t want to get in the middle of things.
Ash started off as a cleaner at the site seven years ago, but her work ethic and dedication saw her being promoted to her current role where she oversees a team of six.
Learn more about careers opportunities with Uniting AgeWell Learn more about Research and Innovation at Uniting AgeWell