Rocky Knoll Health Care Center Builds Connections Across Generations

Recent stories from the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Education and the Morgridge Center for Public Service highlight how Rocky Knoll is leading the way in intergenerational programming, bringing together older adults and young children for shared activities like reading, art, and games. The program pairs residents with children from the facility’s on-site childcare center, creating joyful interactions that benefit both age groups.

While these moments may look simple on the surface, they are designed to deliver real benefits. For residents, the interactions help combat loneliness and create meaningful social engagement. For children, they support early language development, confidence, and social learning. As Rocky Knoll Administrator Kayla Clinton notes, the program creates opportunities for “touch points” that enrich daily life for everyone involved.

To strengthen the program even further, Rocky Knoll partnered with UW–Madison through the UniverCity Alliance. In a community-based learning course led by faculty member Naomi Mae, graduate students worked alongside the Rocky Knoll team to develop a structured curriculum and tools to measure the program’s impact. Their work included site visits, collaboration with staff, and the creation of materials that will help sustain and evaluate the program for years to come.

The partnership highlights the powerful role aging services providers play in their communities, not only caring for residents, but also building innovative programs that connect generations. At Rocky Knoll, those connections are helping create brighter days for residents while shaping meaningful learning experiences for young children.