'Get out and meet people': Care home advice for students

Why it matters: The takeover at Bethesda Eventide Homes on Henley Road gave students a taste of real-life care work, while residents were pampered, entertained and given the chance to share their wisdom.

The details: Students spent the day at the care home giving beauty treatments, playing games, singing songs, serving food and chatting to residents.

Residents were treated to massages and nail painting and an icebreaker session gave residents the chance to offer advice to the younger generation.

What they're saying: Resident Ann Roberts said: "I said to them to join a club or play sport, don't sit at home and just watch the telly – get out and meet people with similar interests."

The students also shared the lessons that stuck with them:

• Leia Bardwick, 16, from Ipswich, said: "A lady called Betty said 'make sure boyfriends don't get in the way of you progressing in your life'."
• Courtney Jay, 17, from Felixstowe, said: "The message I have learnt is don't take life for granted."
• Ellie Mai, 18, from Ipswich, said: "Someone said - life goes quick so make the most of it."

Ann also said: "I had my hands and arms massaged. The music was very relaxing. The students were charming. I think the college coming in like this is a lovely idea."

Leia, who is on a level two health and medical course, added: "This event boosted my confidence and it was lovely talking to everyone."

Courtney, who is on a level three beauty course, said: "We painted some nails and gave massages – it's been a good experience working with the elderly."

The bigger picture: Sue Redhead, placement co-ordinator for the health and social care courses at Suffolk New College, said: "Tom from the care home is an industry partner who works closely with us. He has taken students on for placements and many of them become full-time staff members."

Former student Katie Benn now works at the care home as a care assistant. She said: "I got offered a job after studying on a work placement. My message to current students is get involved and ask lots of questions."

Ali Youngman, deputy manager at the care home, said: "We have made a really good relationship with the college and we are keen to invest in care.

"It works brilliantly for us – and it's great to give the students some work experience. Thanks to the college – it's been great for the residents our staff and the learners."

The bottom line: The takeover gave students hands-on experience and residents a day of pampering, and both generations came away with something to remember.

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