Next generation: 92-year-old former nurse shares career advice

Home news

May 25, 2021

A Stowmarket care home resident and former nurse was delighted to share her experiences in celebration of International Nurses Day.

The team at Care UK’s Cedrus House, on Bittern Crescent, formed a partnership with nursing students at the University of Suffolk, which saw the start of a blossoming intergenerational friendship between 92-year-old Beth Cowle, and student nurse, Molly Ashworth.

Beth, who worked as a paediatric nurse for 4 years at West Suffolk Hospital, where Molly is currently on placement, was delighted to chat to Molly about her nursing career and discuss how the practice of nursing has changed over the last thirty years.

Sharing her advice to the student nurses of today, Beth said: “Enjoy your work and get to know your patients to enable you to understand their needs.”

Michelle Webster, Home Manager at Cedrus House, said: “Beth and Molly had a wonderful afternoon chatting via video call, and it was great to hear how much nursing has changed over the years.

“Everyone at the home know how proud Beth is of her nursing career, and how much knowledge she has to offer, which is why we were delighted to connect with students at the University of Suffolk to celebrate International Nurses Day.

“Intergenerational relationships can be incredibly fulfilling for older people, as they can provide an increased sense of purpose, and offer a chance for both generations to learn from each other. Here at Cedrus House we have so many fantastic residents that have so many fascinating stories to share, and we are always looking for new ways to encourage them to do so.

“This is the start of a blossoming friendship, and we can’t wait to welcome Molly into the home to meet Beth in person as soon as we are able.”

Cedrus House is a modern care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.  

To find out more about Cedrus House, please contact Senior Customer Relations Manager, Angela Hodge on 01449 797350 or email angela.hodge@careuk.com

For general information please visit, careuk.com/care-homes/cedrus-house