Nadolig Hen Blant Bach

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-This Christmas,

-at an elderly care centre...

-..an innovative experiment

-is taking place.

-Are we ready?

-Yes?

-For the first time...

-..pensioners will share their day

-care with a group of children.

-Lovely. That's made my day.

-Psychologists from Bangor University

-believe the experiment can prove...

-..that shared care for young and old

-benefits everyone.

-Loneliness can increase

-as people get older.

-But they have so much to offer.

-Up to age four

-is a key period for children.

-What we want to know...

-..is what effect

-spending time with older people...

-..will have on their development.

-Three day centres

-are part of the experiment.

-Over three days, our hidden cameras

-and the psychologists will watch.

-But will sharing the care

-of children and OAPs...

-..be as easy as one two three?

-This is the Hen Blant Bach

-Christmas experiment.

-Plas Hedd day centre is on Bangor's

-Maesgeirchen council estate.

-It's used by local elderly people.

-Ken, who's 83,

-couldn't live any closer.

-He's just a few steps

-away from the centre.

-There's a cuppa

-waiting for you, Ken, OK?

-Fine, thank you.

-Ken is the first to arrive

-every time.

-Better now?

-Do you want to take your coat off?

-Do you want to take your coat off?

-

-Oh, yes. I'll do that now.

-It's been two years

-since I started to come here...

-..for the company

-and a chat and fun.

-Before everyone arrives,

-there's a chance to have breakfast.

-Because Ken lives so close,

-he's here when we open the doors.

-Sometimes, he's waiting for us.

-Ken's a bachelor,

-never been married, no children.

-After 30 minutes' peace,

-the rest of the OAPs join Ken.

-They're only a small group,

-and Chris is the only woman.

-Wil always gets a warm welcome,

-and he's Ken's best friend.

-Do you want a cuppa?

-Yes. And a biscuit?

-Do you want another one?

-Do you want another one?

-

-I'll have one more.

-You're getting a fresh cuppa now.

-Last in is Evan,

-with his orange monkey, Shankly.

-Evan remembers the old days.

-But I often get the same stories,

-and I still have to laugh.

-He's quite a character.

-OK, Ken?

-Everyone has settled in, but after

-his second cuppa, Ken is uneasy.

-Toilet.

-Wee-wee!

-Evan? Wee-wee!

-He's off to France!

-Oui-oui!

-For three days, they have agreed...

-..to share the day centre

-with six young children.

-But the experiment requires

-more than four pensioners.

-Fortunately, there's a home

-for the elderly next door.

-We have more than two generations

-coming together in this experiment.

-The adults involved

-are from very different situations.

-One down, one to go.

-Maybe they'll give us some sherry.

-By including these pensioners

-in the experiment...

-..the hope is to challenge the idea

-that they have no more to offer...

-..and show that life

-isn't over for these people.

-You're here.

-Nice, eh?

-Lovely.

-Doris, who's 89 years old, has been

-in the home for nine months now.

-She misses seeing children.

-I'm looking forward to it.

-I'm looking forward to it.

-I hope nothing stops me coming.

-Like many of these pensioners,

-Doris lives with dementia.

-I started in 1987.

-Back then,

-the people were more mobile.

-Not many had dementia.

-But over the years, that's changed.

-Most don't remember much now,

-and they're older.

-How are you?

-Fine. You?

-As well as can be expected.

-Another resident at the home

-is Gwyndaf, who has Parkinson's.

-Are you staying at the home?

-Yes.

-How long have you been there?

-How long have you been there?

-

-About eight weeks or so.

-It could be longer.

-Are you better now?

-I'm improving, yes.

-Today, after being at the centre...

-..Gwyndaf is being allowed home

-to his own flat...

-..to see if he can cope this time.

-He's been packing earlier.

-How do you feel about being here?

-Lonely.

-What would you like

-to be able to do?

-Resume my life once again.

-Gwyndaf decided to go home

-as he couldn't afford to stay here.

-He received a bill,

-and had to pay a contribution.

-He couldn't afford to,

-so he's gone home.

-If you could have anything

-this Christmas, what would it be?

-Health.

-Gwyndaf will spend Christmas

-in his own flat this year.

-Research shows that Christmas

-can be difficult for older people.

-They can be more lonely,

-family might have moved away...

-..or aren't around as much.

-They reminisce about the times when

-they were busier and more involved.

-At a nursery five miles away...

-..the children are much

-more excited about Christmas.

-Merry Christmas!

-There's a tree.

-You get a tree.

-You get a tree.

-

-You're getting a tree?!

-What do you do with it?

-Put everything on it.

-Santa Claus comes on the reindeer

-to give us presents.

-Are we having Christmas here?

-Children like Efa Laura come

-to the nursery five days a week...

-..while Iago spends most of his time

-at home and is only here one day.

-It's one of the questions

-many parents face.

-What's best for the child?

-A nursery or care at home

-with a member of the family?

-This experiment

-shows a third option as well.

-Here, we have the elements

-of being at nursery with friends...

-..as well as one-to-one time

-with an adult...

-..which is crucial for a child's

-linguistic development.

-The Bangor area experiment

-is about to start.

-Six children from a local nursery

-arrive at the day centre.

-Hello, hello, hello.

-The cameras are recording

-and the psychologists are watching.

-Do these old folk know how much

-their world is about to change?

-This is the Hen Blant Bach

-Christmas experiment.

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-The old folk who come

-to Plas Hedd day centre, Bangor...

-..are getting

-a unique Christmas present.

-The company of six children

-from a nearby nursery.

-Hello, hello, hello.

-The children are eager,

-and the old folk are waiting.

-Both groups are about to meet

-for the first time ever.

-Hello! Are you coming in?

-Look who's come to see us.

-Aren't they pretty?

-They're lovely.

-The children look a little lost.

-They're a little bit shy.

-Many of the old people are trying

-to attract the children's attention.

-But it doesn't seem to be working.

-The children seem stuck

-to their childminders.

-Ken tries to reach out...

-..but without much success.

-Is this going to work at all?

-An activity might break the ice.

-During the experiment,

-we'll introduce some ideas...

-..and happy memories, hopefully,

-of traditional Christmases past...

-..reflecting their experiences

-of Christmas as children.

-Early memories are often stronger

-as people get older.

-Presents.

-A Christmas tree.

-The first activity

-will be decorating a tree.

-The youngest of the children

-is three-year-old Seren.

-She's small for her age and is

-helped by Iona, her childminder.

-Only the children

-and their childminders are busy.

-As the old folk watch the children,

-childhood memories seem to stir.

-I remember thinking...

-..about sneaking downstairs

-without Mam finding out...

-..to see what was there.

-An apple and an orange

-in the stocking...

-..and nuts.

-Not much...

-..but it was a lot then.

-We'd have a capon...

-..not a turkey like today.

-Only important people had turkeys.

-Is it a cat?

-Careful it doesn't bite you!

-The children need help

-to reach the upper branches.

-Day centre regulars Chris,

-Wil and Ken get up to help.

-The OAPs from the care home

-have all remained seated.

-Jennie Blodwen

-has slept through it all.

-They sit back, which often happens

-in a care situation.

-Older people sit back

-and let things happen around them.

-Rather than being a part of it.

-After some of the OAPs got up,

-Seren has gone to the nursery staff.

-Ken steps forward

-to put the last piece in place.

-Let Ken help you.

-He's been pricked!

-He manages to put the star

-on top of the tree...

-..more or less.

-And Jennie Blodwen has woken up...

-..to a Christmassy scene

-and tinsel in her hair.

-Across the room, Chris

-is still playing with the children.

-I have four children.

-I love children, yes.

-Chris lives alone in a flat.

-Her eyesight has deteriorated,

-but she still manages to knit.

-She was born with albinism,

-and has always had white hair.

-She has to wear dark glasses

-to protect her eyes from the sun.

-I can't say I've had a bad deal.

-The children at school

-were quite mean.

-They didn't call me by my name,

-just White Hair.

-Chris has always been positive,

-despite quite a hard life,

-The memory box contains a photo

-of her wedding to Geraint.

-The 6th of January, 1966.

-Geraint and I.

-I lost my husband 30 years ago

-in a plane crash in Lleyn.

-Bethan was only three years old.

-Carys was the most upset

-because she was a real daddy's girl.

-It was difficult...

-..but I had to carry on.

-Chris keeps a photo of her husband

-in a locket...

-..and Efa Laura wants to open it.

-"Does this open?" she said.

-"Mam's does."

-Keep it open now, OK?

-I opened it for her to see...

-..the photos of Geraint and Carys.

-It's good to see Chris

-with the children.

-She's played a key role

-on the first day...

-..comfortable in their company

-but not forcing attention.

-She seems to be at ease

-with her own personality.

-She's faced difficulties in her life

-but has come through them.

-Quite a tough person.

-After decorating,

-everyone's ready for lunch.

-A chance to get to know each other.

-The psychologists

-have put Doris with Efa Gwen...

-..and Ken next to Arthur.

-Do you want a drink?

-Here you are.

-Arthur, this is your fork.

-Do you look after him?

-Fair play.

-Efa Gwen is very advanced

-as regards her development.

-She's also the leader of the group.

-She's the mother.

-Do you want anything from here?

-No?

-Do you want me to help you?

-Do you want anything from here?

-Efa has changed

-the intonation of her voice...

-..as an adult would do

-when reacting to him.

-Do you want anything?

-Are you going to eat your meat?

-Bachelor Ken talks a little...

-..while Doris,

-who's a mother, says nothing.

-Doris doesn't seem to be...

-..comfortable enough

-to say anything.

-He's tired and he's not hungry...

-..but he wants his pudding.

-Doris and Ken could do

-a lot more here, to be fair.

-But Arthur has had enough

-of Efa fussing over him.

-Efa, I'm not friends with you!

-That's not funny. Ouch.

-I've got to put it back now.

-One, two, three,

-Mam catches the fly.

-The fly is dead,

-Mam's in floods of tears.

-Doris can pass things on,

-but it came out of nowhere!

-Efa just looked at her.

-"She hasn't said a word,

-and now she's reciting poetry."

-The environment can influence

-people living with dementia.

-A change to their environment

-can confuse them more, if anything.

-Maybe being in a different room...

-..doesn't allow messages

-to come through quickly enough...

-..for Doris to say what she wants.

-The first day

-is drawing to a close.

-First, tea and a biscuit.

-Iwan gets the job

-of sharing them out.

-Thank you.

-Ken will never refuse a biscuit.

-Iwan isn't sure

-if Margaret wants a biscuit.

-Look.

-Thank you.

-He saw that she couldn't reach.

-She gets one just in case.

-Well done.

-I'm glad that happened.

-The children include everyone...

-..and have made an impression

-on their new older friends.

-They were shy at first

-until everyone got together.

-Then it was a mess!

-They're not used to old people,

-and we're not used to them.

-And they make a noise,

-without thinking.

-It's time for the children

-to say goodbye.

-It's also time for Gwyndaf

-to say goodbye to Plas Hedd.

-He has decided not to pay any more

-to stay in the home...

-..and goes back to his flat

-in Bethesda.

-Are you looking forward

-to Christmas?

-If I'm still around.

-Where do you hope

-to spend Christmas?

-I don't know yet.

-In my own flat, hopefully.

-But he's determined to come back

-to see the children tomorrow.

-They make you feel young.

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-It's Day Two

-of the Hen Blant Bach experiment.

-The day at Plas Hedd

-starts like any other...

-..with Ken taking his seat

-before anyone else.

-OK, Ken?

-It's his chance to have breakfast

-before the others arrive.

-Soon, the room begins to fill.

-The day centre regulars

-and the care home residents...

-..join up to spend the day

-with the children.

-Gwyndaf is back after spending

-the night in his own flat.

-At 97,

-Margaret Oliver is the oldest.

-She'll sit with Evan,

-who wants to get to know her better.

-Where do you live now?

-I'm from Mynydd Llandegai.

-I'm from Gerlan.

-Are you from Gerlan?

-I was born there.

-Across the valley from us.

-Across the valley from us.

-

-But I live here now.

-House or flat?

-House or flat?

-

-It's my house.

-Evan has made an impression

-but might be too eager to please.

-I'll take you to the toilet!

-I'll take you!

-He's awful, you know!

-The psychologists have given

-period toys to the old folk.

-They want more

-of the care home residents...

-..like Doris and Margaret, to play

-a bigger part in the activities.

-Introducing old toys

-will hopefully be pleasurable...

-..to take the old folk

-back to their childhood.

-They might feel it's long ago,

-but the memories will be alive...

-..of that emotional time

-when they were growing up.

-I can't see.

-That's an excuse. You can see fine.

-Do you remember Fuzzy Felt?

-What are they doing?

-What are they doing?

-

-No idea.

-My children loved these.

-Talking of children,

-here they are...

-..walking into a roomful

-of old people playing with old toys.

-They've come in without their

-childminders today, a big change.

-Iago doesn't look happy.

-Iago doesn't look happy.

-

-He doesn't.

-Another aim of giving the toys

-to the old folk...

-..was to attract the children over

-to play with them.

-Cards!

-Gwyndaf is playing with Iago

-and Efa Laura...

-..while Efa Gwen, Evan

-and Margaret Oliver play cards.

-Snap is a game

-played across the generations.

-Snap is familiar to everyone.

-The plan seems to be working...

-..apart from Seren.

-At the nursery,

-Seren gets one-to-one care...

-..because she has additional needs.

-Thank you.

-Can I have more water?

-Seren was born 12 weeks premature.

-It's incredible

-that she's here at all.

-She was only two pounds ten

-when she was born.

-We're lucky with how she is now.

-Every day was really touch and go.

-Will she last the night?

-Her language

-is starting to come now.

-She couldn't play

-with everyone else...

-..or interact at all.

-She was in hospital for so long.

-Her development was a bit slow.

-She has missed

-a lot of her development skills.

-She doesn't speak much,

-but you understand what she wants.

-She lets you know without words.

-Doctor Nia wants to know how Seren

-usually copes at the nursery.

-She talks to Delyth,

-one of the childminders.

-How would you describe

-her personality?

-If she doesn't want to do

-something, then she won't.

-So, she's determined.

-It would be nice to see...

-..that determined streak

-coming across.

-It well might this afternoon,

-and we'll try to step back again.

-The psychologists want to see

-how Seren will react...

-..in a one-to-one session

-with Doris.

-Dementia has taken its toll

-on Doris' language skills.

-Like Seren, she uses other methods

-to communicate.

-Gradually, Seren comes closer.

-One, two, three.

-Mam catches the fly.

-The fly is dead,

-Mam's in floods of tears.

-Interacting with someone new

-will be good for Seren.

-When we work closely

-with a child, one-to-one...

-..we learn the meaning

-of the different noises.

-But that stops the child trying

-to pronounce the words clearly.

-You asked us to come out one by one.

-Seren came out of herself

-later in the day...

-..and said a lot more words

-than she did earlier.

-The old people want to show

-their skills to the children.

-To teach them. A parent's instinct.

-It's in them, whatever their age,

-to want to teach children.

-The psychologists have arranged

-more one-to-one sessions.

-Evan and Iago

-are going to make Christmas cards...

-..with lots of glitter!

-That was fun, wasn't it?

-Iwan and Gwyndaf are drawing

-pictures of Christmas trees.

-Can I do that now?

-Yes.

-And Chris and Efa Laura

-write a letter to Santa Claus.

-What do you want from Santa Claus?

-Pig the Pop.

-Pig. The. Pop.

-Giving time for a relationship

-to develop is the aim...

-..by bringing Jennie Blodwen

-and Efa Gwen together.

-What do you want to do?

-You're meant to do it

-with your hand.

-Put your hand there

-and I'll draw around it.

-You draw my hand

-and I'll draw your hand, OK?

-Research shows that touch

-is one of the most important senses.

-Think of a mother

-comforting a baby by touch.

-This lasts all your life,

-but we tend to forget it.

-Can you do it?

-Can you do it?

-

-Yes, I can do it.

-Hand out like this.

-Like that, OK?

-On the paper.

-Do one, yes?

-Make your hand big, like this.

-The young leading the old.

-Clever girl.

-I had two children,

-one girl, one boy.

-Aled and Idwen.

-It's not the same...

-..without children in the home.

-Little children.

-There you are. You're doing well.

-Another colour now.

-Efa's taken over the adult role,

-the role of the mother, praising.

-"You're doing well."

-Oh, she's great.

-Yesterday, Jennie Blodwen

-slept all morning.

-She didn't pay much attention

-to them during the afternoon.

-But she's been awake

-all day today...

-..and has done well,

-talking with the children.

-Iago comes over

-to have a nose around.

-Who's this little boy?

-Is he related to you?

-Is she a little girl?

-Is she a little girl?

-

-What?

-Is that a little girl?

-Is that a little girl?

-

-No, he's a boy.

-What's his name?

-What's his name?

-

-Iago, I suppose.

-The second day of the experiment

-is almost over.

-Once again, the children sit

-before saying goodbye.

-It's nearly time to go home.

-This time, the children

-are without their childminders...

-..even Seren.

-I'll ask Mam if I'm coming back.

-The children are relaxed...

-..and some are understanding

-what it means to be old.

-What makes a person old?

-No company.

-# Who's that coming

-quietly over the hill

-# With his long beard and white hair

-# And something in his sack? #

-The children aren't the only ones

-who have undergone a change.

-Some of these people

-have bigger problems than others.

-But when the children come in,

-there's no difference.

-They all get along,

-day care or care home residents.

-The Hen Blant Bach experiment

-demonstrates this once again.

-Bringing children to old people

-changes their spirit...

-..as they enjoy themselves

-in the moment.

-Some of the children

-are immersed too.

-Arthur has forgotten

-all about going home.

-But Arthur can come back tomorrow...

-..with the other children,

-for Day Three of Hen Blant Bach.

-They're so innocent.

-They're children, aren't they?

-It's hard to keep an eye on them.

-We've all been children.

-All of us.

-Yes.

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-Bangor's Plas Hedd day centre

-is ready for day three...

-..of the Hen Blant Bach

-Christmas experiment.

-Once again,

-Ken is the first to arrive.

-Christmas or not,

-some things don't change.

-Today, there'll be Christmas dinner

-with all the trimmings...

-..and a chance to celebrate

-with the children.

-Seeing their faces when the children

-come in, it's just lovely.

-There's even talk

-that it might snow.

-Snow is forecast tonight.

-Is it?

-That's what she said.

-Watching the snowflakes fall,

-all different shapes.

-Do you remember the snowdrifts

-on Christmas Day in 1963?

-I wasn't born then either, Ken!

-Outside, full of excitement,

-the children arrive...

-..and they're ready for a party.

-Confidence and communication

-has increased during the week.

-On the final day,

-we hope that they can celebrate...

-..and create

-happy memories together.

-The children have made cards

-for their new friends.

-Then they must prepare

-for the party.

-I've made these.

-I've made these.

-

-Thank you.

-Do you want a red nose? No?

-Watching and listening

-is Margaret Hughes.

-This Christmas

-will be very different for her.

-Every day, husband Meredydd

-comes to see her in the home.

-They have been married for 58 years.

-This is her first Christmas

-since moving into the care home.

-Margaret Hughes

-has been diagnosed with dementia.

-She's a very quiet person.

-Christmas can be a tough time.

-We'll invite Meredydd

-to join us for Christmas dinner.

-A lot do come.

-We try to make it

-as happy as we can for them.

-Margaret came to Plas Hedd

-care home nine months ago.

-Before then, Meredydd

-and the family cared for her.

-Ever faithful,

-he'll be back again tomorrow.

-There's so much in the news

-about dementia.

-It's got to the point

-that people fear the condition.

-They forget

-that everyone is an individual...

-..with myriad stories

-and happy memories.

-They might have added problems

-because of medical reasons...

-..but the person

-is still alive in the body.

-It's important to try

-to connect with the person.

-The psychologists pair Margaret

-with the talkative Efa Gwen.

-They're going to decorate

-a chocolate Yule log.

-Like this.

-You'll need a big stomach

-to eat a cake that size!

-There'll be nothing left to eat!

-That's the most

-we've heard Margaret say.

-It doesn't matter

-if we get it on the plate.

-A plate is meant

-to have food on it.

-Yes, you're right there.

-More chocolate on this side.

-Do you want a go?

-Do you want a go?

-Yes.

-Do you want to hold the knife?

-Before it falls?

-Hold it.

-I might drop it.

-I'm old, you know.

-Margaret isn't confident enough

-to hold the knife.

-But she's carried on

-and hasn't stepped back.

-It's so easy not to ask...

-..in case you make someone

-feel awkward or uncomfortable.

-If we adults could be as confident

-as Efa Gwen with everyone...

-..then everyone could take part

-to the extent they feel comfortable.

-It's better

-to put the chocolate over...

-Isn't it?

-Yes.

-Or you'll soon know how much it is.

-I think it's been good for her

-to take part in something.

-To feel that she belongs, in a way.

-As a mother of three,

-being with Efa Gwen...

-..inspires Margaret

-to remember one particular song.

-# Quietly over the hill

-# With his long beard and white hair

-# And something in his sack?

-# And who comes over the hill

-# Near the big chimney?

-# Santa Claus, Santa Claus

-# Come here, come on down #

-Do you get tired

-because of the children?

-No.

-I enjoy singing...

-..so, I don't say that I'm tired.

-It's lunchtime.

-Christmas dinner with all

-the trimmings, and crackers.

-But Iago isn't really happy.

-I want pudding!

-Ken, I don't want food.

-I don't want food.

-What we see here

-are Gwyndaf, Wil and Ken...

-..reacting perfectly

-to Iago's situation.

-Do you want pudding?

-Yes.

-Iago's behaviour is completely

-ignored by these three wise men.

-Iago learns

-an important lesson here.

-No-one forces Iago to eat.

-The food stays on his plate.

-Christmas pudding now.

-And a spoon, OK?

-There's your pudding.

-But the much-requested pudding

-doesn't please either.

-Eat your pudding now.

-It's hot.

-No, it isn't.

-After lunch, the psychologists have

-arranged a surprise for everyone...

-..outside the day centre.

-The forecast was right.

-It's snowing in Bangor.

-The first ones out

-are Efa Laura and Chris.

-Is it slippery?

-Do you like it?

-Do you?

-Ken and Arthur...

-..Iwan and Jennie Blodwen...

-..Wil with his favourite, Seren,

-and Doris, more excited than anyone.

-What did you do today?

-Has it gone in your shoes?

-It's been a magical three days.

-Before they go home,

-there's one more moment to share.

-# Silent Night #

-When the band comes and everyone

-enjoys the experience together...

-..there's no need for words

-or even movement.

-Everyone's in the same boat,

-enjoying the experience.

-It shows how far they've come

-over the three days.

-They've grown closer and are able

-to enjoy this festive experience...

-..and take happy memories

-back to their respective homes.

-The Hen Blant Bach experiment

-has come to an end.

-They've blossomed here,

-they've made friends, everyone.

-Anyone living near a care home...

-..could spend an hour there

-with children every week.

-It's so simple, we've all done it,

-taken children to see grandparents.

-Children and grandparents

-get so much out of it. It works.

-A lot of places try to do this now.

-Bringing two generations together.

-It doesn't happen any more.

-Grandparents don't live at home

-with the children any more.

-Very often, they live far away.

-It's such a simple idea,

-yet so revolutionary.

-Letting children and old folk...

-..spend time

-getting to know each other.

-In a situation like this,

-two generations coming together...

-..what makes it so special...

-..is time.

-Old people have so much time.

-At centres across Wales,

-the same experiment was repeated.

-The older you get,

-you appreciate everything.

-The children did that,

-and they were excellent.

-The children were, yes. Excellent.

-You've got a window on the side too.

-Why?

-Why?

-

-So that I can see.

-Lives were touched...

-..and changes were seen.

-Everyone's different,

-that's what makes us interesting.

-Children just see what's there,

-and we could learn from them.

-I must say, I've enjoyed this week.

-It's the best week we've had here.

-They just see through

-all disabilities, children.

-For the older people, children

-help them forget their disabilities.

-Forget what's wrong

-and just make them happy.

-It is possible

-to do things differently...

-..and retain the child

-that's within us all.

-Merry Christmas!

-Merry Christmas to you all,

-whatever your age.

-Merry Christmas to you all!

-S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.

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