Silverado kicks off program that unites elders, children
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Organizers at Calabasas' Silverado Senior Living have taken steps to ensure that its elderly residents receive outside stimulation, whether it be from pet therapy, family visits or a new intergenerational program in which young children make regular visits to the facility.

On April 30, Silverado opened its doors for the first time to a group of Lupin Hill Elementary School students called Silverado Community Kids. The children will make the trek to visit Silverado every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m.

"It's part of Silverado's mantra to have meetings of the children and elders," said Carolyn Coradeschi, Silverado's community ambassador. "Any time children come into the community we see smiles on the residents' faces."

The city of Calabasas also got involved, using its shuttle to bus in the kids, who range from kindergartners to fifth-graders.

"It was a great combined effort with the city and the school and Silverado," Coradeschi said.

About 10 students came over from Lupin Hill, and some other community members from Agoura Hills and Westlake Village brought their children. Their first visit was spent gardening.

"Malibu Gardens donated some lime trees after residents visited, and we got some other plants as well," Coradeschi said. "Some watched, some participated. It was really fun to watch the kids and residents planting, watering everything."

Activities for future visits are being planned, from magic shows to pet therapy, baking classes and animal shows.

Organizers at Silverado plan to rearrange the schedule in the summer to allow more kids to come. They are also open to incorporating other area schools and community members who are interested in becoming Silverado Community Kids.

"Some of the residents who never speak at all talk to the children when they visit," Coradeschi said. "It lightens their mood. They interact. It's wonderful."

For more information, call Silverado at (818) 222-1000.