Sutton Coldfield care home residents share pearls of wisdom

Residents at two care homes in Sutton Coldfield have been passing on their advice to the younger generation as part of a nationwide initiative.

Residents at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, and Bishops Manor, on Jockey Road, have been sharing life advice with younger members of the community as part of a new intergenerational project – Wisdom Booths.

The Wisdom Booths initiative sees residents at Care UK homes sharing useful guidance with younger generations after a national survey found 88% of people nationwide 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.

Residents from Mercia Grange care home visited Mere Green Library to share their special tips and advice, drawing from their own life experiences. 

The pearls of wisdom at Mercia Grange included resident Alexa Peach’s advice to “never live without a dog.” Irene Gregory, another resident, added a sensible message to: “always be mindful of what you’re eating.”

Meanwhile, residents from Bishops Manor held an advice session in the home where residents were asked to reflect and share pieces of advice to their younger selves.

101-year-old war veteran and resident at Bishops Manor, Denzil Cooper, said: “Laugh as often as possible as this is the best medicine, avoid alcohol as life is better without hangovers and eat as few veggies as possible – they’re overrated!”

Catherine Evans, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Team members and residents really enjoyed hosting an advice session at Mere Green Library.

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the session and we hope the residents’ advice to the local community has provided some food for thought!”

Sarah Diamond, General Manager at Bishops Manor, added: “Here at Bishops 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.”

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

Bishops Manor and Mercia Grange have been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, and incorporating space for hobby and leisure activities. The care homes have been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

To find out more, please contact Home Admissions Advisor at Bishops Manor, Jody Sedgwick, on jody.sedgwick@careuk.com, or call Customer Relations Manager, Rachel Mackay, on 0121 314 3196, email rachel.mackay@careuk.com