Residents at Kingston House care home in Calne have been passing on their life lessons to younger generations as part of a summer project aimed at celebrating experience and inspiring the community.
The “Seeds of Wisdom” initiative saw residents pot summer pansy seeds and plant petunias in the sunshine, while writing down personal advice about life, relationships and wellbeing to share with family and friends.
Seventy-six-year-old Tony Read encouraged people to take life in their stride: “Take time and be calm. Things always work out in the end.”
Tony
Margaret Smart, 95, advised: “Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, just be yourself.”
For Iris Watson, 85, the golden rule is to always treat others well: “Treat others as you would like them to treat you.”
Ninety-four-year-old Rachel Jones agreed, saying: “Help others in need. You may need someone’s help in return one day.”
Mavis
Mavis Lay, 93, emphasised honesty: “Always speak the truth, the truth is easier to remember than lies.”
Ken Lewis, 81, urged people not to hold back: “Don’t fear the unknown. If you want to do something, just go for it.”
Ken
And for 84-year-old Annette Bennett, living without regret is key: “No regrets – don’t worry about the things you didn’t do.”
Elizabeth Clark, home manager at Kingston House, said:
“Our residents have experienced so much throughout their lives and asking them to share their nurturing tips – their seeds of wisdom – was incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking. It was also another opportunity for a therapeutic activity together.”
The activity forms part of non-profit operator Greensleeves Care’s nationwide “Get Care Wise” campaign, which aims to encourage families to talk about future care needs before a crisis arises.
Elizabeth added: “Summer is the perfect opportunity for getting care wise. Families often have a bit more time to start thinking about the additional support an older loved one might need. Activities like Seeds of Wisdom remind us that knowledge is power and that it pays to plan ahead where possible.”
For more information on the campaign, visit www.greensleeves.org.uk/get-care-wise.
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