“Do what inspires you!” – Harrow care home residents share pearls of wisdom with younger team members

Residents at a care home in Harrow have been passing on their advice to the younger generation as part of a nationwide initiative.

Residents at Care UK’s Buchanan Court, on Sudbury Hill, have been sharing advice with team members on living a happy life and the key to a successful career. The knowledge-sharing is part of a new intergenerational project – Wisdom Booths.

The Wisdom Booths initiative sees Care UK homes share their advice with younger generations after a national survey found 88% of people in the UK are grateful for what they’ve been told by their elders and 56% will always rely on them for advice, regardless of how old they are.

The pearls of wisdom at Buchanan Court included resident Ethel Luck’s advice who said: “You’ve got to do what inspires you in life, in all aspects. Whether that’s a career or a hobby, do what interests you as it will motivate you too.”

Fellow resident, Patricia Haly, said: “Always be a good friend as your friends are important throughout your life.”

Esther Oluwatosin, Home Manager at Buchanan Court, said: “Wisdom Booths is a fantastic initiative that encourages residents to share their wonderful and wise life lessons with others.

“Here at Buchanan Court, we understand the importance of taking part in reminiscence activities and the advice session presented residents with a real sense of purpose – using their memories to offer guidance to others. Drawing on previous experiences can help to boost confidence in older people and provides an opportunity to re-live happy times, which can prompt conversation and positive emotions.

“The advice session proved very useful for our younger team members, and I think our residents learnt a thing or two from each other too! It was a huge success, and we’re looking forward to continuing these sessions throughout the year.”

For more information about Care UK’s Wisdom Booths initiative, visit: careuk.com/wisdom-booths 

Buchanan Court provides full-time residential 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 bar and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.

To find out more about Buchanan Court, contact Customer Relations Manager, Lorelei Shepherd, on 020 3504 7835, email lorelei.shepherd@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/buchanan-court