The Grange Care Centre, part of the multi-award-winning Forest Healthcare network, has showcased the value of community interactions between residents and young people, having hosted a work experience placement that was a resounding success.
The outcomes highlight how developing these relationships is beneficial for all, while ensuring that young people gain firsthand insight into the opportunities available to them in the care sector and the careers, professions, and vacancies they may wish to study or apply for.
Work Experience Placements at The Grange Care Centre
During a week-long placement at the end of July, the team at The Grange welcomed Caden, a student who is currently studying at Faringdon Community College.
Work experience opportunities are available throughout the Forest Healthcare group. They are designed to help young people learn more about the sector, develop interpersonal skills, and gain insight into how care centres function.
Caden fitted into The Grange ethos with ease, and quickly struck up friendships with several residents, with two in particular who referred to themselves collectively as the ‘three wise monkeys’.
His enthusiasm and energy encouraged residents to get involved, sharing stories and life experiences, playing games of badminton, and even hosting water target games during the hot weather, inviting staff and relatives to join in.
Fran Keating, Interim Manager of The Grange Care Centre said, ‘It’s always brilliant to have passionate work experience placements come and see what we do here at The Grange, and without fail all have taken away a fresh view about what a care centre is like – and how the consistently varied activities and events make the centre a community within itself, and a space where everyone is valued, supported and included.
We believe that work experience plays a hugely important role in breaking down misconceptions about the range of care careers, from activities coordinators to nurses, care professionals, caterers and therapists, and we’re delighted that Caden has arranged to pop in again soon to catch up with his new friends.’
The Wider Benefits of Care Home Work Experience on Care Centre Residents
While work experience is beneficial for students considering their career paths, there is also evidence that the benefits extend beyond employability and have a profound impact on the quality of life of individuals living in care and nursing homes.
Studies have shown that cross-generational connections can help older adults feel more comfortable navigating technology or learning new phrases, bring a sense of pride when recounting their achievements and histories, and make them feel respected and included as members of a community with a wealth of life experience to share.
Researchers evaluating the role of social connections in care centres have reported that:
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Residents with cognitive conditions, such as dementia, respond positively to respectful and positive interactions, with friendships promoting improvements in their quality of life.
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Encouragement to participate in fun activities or crafts can combat the speed of cognitive decline, augment physical health outcomes for long-term care residents, and lower the prevalence of mental health concerns such as depression.
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Maintaining bonds and friendships across different age groups, even through digital communications, can be a key aspect of preventing isolation and loneliness, and can reignite interests in hobbies such as gardening, board games, or interacting with pets.
Fran adds, ‘One of our core principles at The Grange is to think about how we add value to the lives and happiness of our residents every day, alongside the practicalities of administering personal and health assistance.
A friendly face, an invitation to talk, and the chance to reminisce are incredibly valuable and have ongoing effects. Many of our residents very much look forward to new visitors or work experience students who leave us with a new perspective about what quality residential care is.’
The Role of Care Home Work Experience in Recruiting Talent to the Sector
In addition to the interpersonal relationships that work experience positions build, they remain a tool for the sector as a whole. Shortages of applicants, both those new to care and experienced professionals, have been a long-standing problem, meaning many care services run below capacity or are unable to deliver the standards of care they would like.
Fran explains that ‘Young people might have a picture of what a role in care looks like, but this is usually quite different from the reality! We want to inspire dedicated and compassionate students to consider care as a fast-growing, rewarding and well-paid career choice, and work experience openings give us the chance to do so.’
Further information about The Grange Care Centre, the Forest Healthcare group, and future work experience vacancies is available by contacting the company directly.
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About Forest Healthcare
Forest Healthcare is an established care provider dedicated to consistently delivering an outstanding quality of life to the residents they serve. With a network of care centres across South-East England, Forest Healthcare specialises in catering to a wide range of care requirements, including; residential, nursing, dementia and specialist care. The organisation’s mission is to provide a family feel to the exceptional care they deliver by valuing, respecting and caring for each and every person who lives and works at Forest Healthcare.
Media Contact:
Chris Salter
(020) 7250 0156
Source: Digital PR
Release ID: 1784161
