Care and nursing homes in the Country Court group have welcomed young people into their homes throughout this academic year as part of the YOPEY Dementia Befriender initiative. This important intergenerational work is coordinated by Tony Gearing MBE of the charity YOPEY which builds relationships between care home operators and secondary schools. Established in 2012, YOPEY gives young people the opportunity to contribute to their communities through volunteering to provide company to elderly people living in care homes.
At Lyncroft Care Home in Wisbech residents enjoyed meeting sixth-form students from Thomas Clarkson Academy.
“Over the months, the students have built up meaningful relationships with our residents, many of whom are living with dementia. We can see the students' visits have a positive impact on people's moods and overall wellbeing. In addition, they are a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain first-hand experience of dementia and learn about life in a care home. We hope the experience will inspire some to pursue a career in the care sector.” Explained Clair Taylor, Home Manager at Lyncroft Care Home.
Tony Gearing said: “YOPEY loves giving young people the opportunity to both enrich the lives of care home residents but also to learn wisdom from their elders. Following our training, sixth-formers from Thomas Clarkson Academy are doing a great job at Lyncroft, a lovely care home.”
After her visit student Skaiste commented “I visited Pauline again…. We bonded over our love for history (I do A-level history) and she told me she mostly liked the history of the royal family and we agreed on how we felt about certain monarchs. She also told me that she lived through World War 2, and I asked her what that was like. I showed her the pictures of my red hair and my pets (Lily and Leo). These made her smile.”
Student Sophie reported, “I told Ros that I'm a sixth-former at Thomas Clarkson Academy (TCA) currently studying A-levels in Health and Social Care and Drama. Ros likes me to talk about my school and my teachers, and even the school building. I wanted to give Ros a bit of familiarity in the conversation, so she feels comfortable. She feels safe and happy talking about schools and telling stories about her teaching career.”
“Here at Lyncroft Care Home, we have first-hand experience of how challenging life can be for families who have a loved one living with dementia. We know our residents benefit from being in such a supportive community here in Wisbech, where we can take advantage of initiatives such as the YOPEY Dementia Befriender Community Partnership.” Commented Clair Taylor, Home Manager at Lyncroft Care Home.
For more information about life at Lyncroft Care Home please contact lyncroft@countrycourtcare.com or call 01945 475229.
