Four students, studying on the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy courses with the School of Society, Community and Health, contributed to the care offered at Richmond Manor Care Home in Ampthill over the work placement period.

Kylie Sudlow, who is studying on the Physiotherapy course, spoke about how the experience has benefited their ongoing studies: “My placement over at Richmond Manor care home was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I got to meet some really lovely residents and staff who gave us a warm welcome into their home.

“One particular skill that especially stood out for me was the improvement of my time management skills. This was gained by me having to manage my own caseload, which is something I have not had the opportunity to do before.”

As part of the placement, students worked in the care home for three days a week, each taking on a caseload of residents to work with 1:1 alongside leading exercise sessions for groups of residents. During the work experience, Occupational Therapy student Luca D'agostino also bought in dementia fiddle blankets that his grandmother had made for residents.

Sarah Page, Course Lead for Occupational Therapy, added: “The placement with Richmond Manor was sourced by our placement team and it has been a really successful experience for our students.  Its success has been because the students have been able to consolidate their theory at University into practice in a care home setting. 

“There is so much scope and value for occupational therapy and physiotherapy in care homes and this placement opportunity has highlighted the need to bridge this employment gap and importantly for residents there to experience the same service as if they were still living in their own homes.”

Students are required to carry out work placements as part of these courses, but this is the first time Richmond Manor and its parent group Hamberley Care Homes has worked with the University of Bedfordshire on the initiative.

Speaking to Bedford Today, Richmond Manor’s wellbeing and lifestyle coach, Clare Cook, said: “We were all thrilled to have the group here – they had such a positive impact on the residents, as well as the staff. Whilst they were learning and contributing to the care offered here at Richmond Manor, we benefitted from their enthusiasm and kindness.”

Resident Eileen Scott also reported feeling delighted with the care she received from the students, adding: “I just want to say how grateful I am for all the support provided to me over these past few weeks. I have so appreciated the breathing and stretching exercises. I wish you all every success in your forthcoming exams and wherever your careers take you.”

Following the successful completion of the placement, the care home group are keen to develop their link with the University further, with Bedfordshire now working in collaboration with the Therapy Lead for Hamberley Homes to present at the Occupational Therapy show in November to showcase the service development work which was undertaken during the placement.

Alongside this, academics from the University are working on an article for the Occupational Therapy news magazine to showcase the value of therapy provision in care home settings.

^{*All images credit: Hamberley Care Homes}