Over 5,000 years of wisdom – Basingstoke care home residents share pearls of wisdom with local community

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

Residents and team members at Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, have been creating a book of wisdom for the local community as 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 team at Dashwood Manor have created a book which includes pearls of Wisdom from every resident and team member of the home which adds up to over 5,000 years of knowledge. 

The pearls of wisdom at Dashwood Manor included 85-year-old resident Mary’s advice: “Never let the sun go down on an argument.”

81-year-old resident Robin’s advice was to: “Never underestimate anybody.”

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “Team members and residents really enjoyed creating our very own wisdom book for families and the community to enjoy. 

“Here at Dashwood Manor, 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.

“Everyone really enjoyed getting involved with writing words of wisdom for the book and we hope the residents and team members’ advice to the local community has given everyone some food for thought!”

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

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Dashwood Manor, includes space for hobby and leisure activities. Luxury facilities includes a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and bar, and stunning gardens.

To find out more about Dashwood Manor, please call Customer Relations Manager, Leahanne Wilkinson, on 01256 805988, or email leahanne.wilkinson@careuk.com

For more information about Dashwood Manor, visit: careuk.com/Dashwood-Manor