Back in April, Sweyne Court Care Home in Rayleigh began a partnership with Seevic College, to support students who were studying Health and Social Care.
The aim of this partnership was not only to help educate the students about roles within the health and social care sector but also, to help establish intergenerational links with the people living at Sweyne Court. These types of relations are beneficial for both generations, as they can learn from each other, improve communication skills and help to reduce stress. For the people living at Sweyne Court who don’t have grandchildren or younger people in their families, this type of partnership also helps to engage them with these generations and offers them the opportunity to share some of their wisdom.
Since the partnership started, different groups of students from the college have been visiting Sweyne Court each month to meet the people living there, the team members and find out more about life inside a care home.
During their visits, the students have helped to host a variety of different activities and taken part in them too. Residents thoroughly enjoyed their company during these activity sessions and loved hearing about their lives and studies.
They also delivered hand care to residents, by massaging in cream and cutting their fingernails. This provided people with the opportunity to spend some one-to-one time with the students, in which they shared stories and enjoyed reminiscing.
The students were caring, compassionate and most importantly, took the time to listen and engage with the people living at Sweyne Court. Everyone living and working at the home was singing their praises and said how well they had done throughout their time at the home.
With the summer term recently drawing to a close, the students said their farewells and thanked the team for all their help and support.
Due to the success of this partnership for both residents and students, it’s something Sweyne Court is considering continuing next year!