Basingstoke care home resident fulfils wish to go back to school

A care home resident in Basingstoke was delighted to be back in the classroom once again to reconnect with her past career.

When the team at Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, learned that 89-year-old resident Elaine Smithers, a retired secondary school teacher, was keen to reconnect with her past. The team were determined to fulfil her wish of going back to school.

The team arranged for Elaine to visit her favourite school, Therfield Secondary School, where she had worked for part of her teaching career throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

On the day, the school gave her a special tour of the school by the headteacher, Mr  Malley, and she was able to sit in on a textiles lesson, which brought back many memories from her time as head of needlework. She then ended the day by having lunch with the students and headteacher, where she shared stories of how the school has changed. Mr Malley also awarded Elaine the Head Teacher’s award for her commitment to teaching.

The visit formed part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which enables residents to put forward their wishes to revisit old hobbies or try something completely new. Whether it’s a fish and chip supper, a skydive or watching a football match, no wish is too big or too small.

Commenting on her trip back to school and the visit from the children, Elaine said: “I had a wonderful time with the children! It brought me back to my days as a teacher.”

Frankie Veramu, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “It was great to see Elaine connect with her past career. She has so much passion for teaching and has dedicated many years of her life to the profession.

“Here at Dashwood Manor, we understand how important it is for residents to live fulfilling lives and connecting Elaine to her past is just one example of how we do this. We also know how beneficial nostalgic experiences can be. For many, they can provide a sense of purpose and improve wellbeing.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Therfield Secondary school for inviting Elaine back to the school that holds so many memories; she couldn’t have asked for a better trip back!”

Dashwood Manor is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, with luxury facilities, including a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema, bar and gardens. The highly experienced team provide residential care, dementia care, short-term respite care and nursing care.