Five paramedic science students from Oxford Brookes University participated in a two-week placement at MHA The Homestead in Carterton, focusing on the care of residents living with dementia. During their time at the facility, the students engaged closely with both staff and residents, assisting in daily care activities and gaining invaluable experience in communication and personal care.
The students—Chris Botha, Isabel Moore, Lauren Watts, Joseph Ridgway, and Marcus Suntharalingam—found the placement to be more beneficial than anticipated. Initially, Suntharalingam expressed skepticism about the experience, given his prior work with older adults and feedback from previous students who described the placement as challenging.
Reflecting on his time at The Homestead, Suntharalingam stated, “Starting my care home placement I was incredibly sceptical… However, I feel like I can confidently say that I have massively benefited from my time at The Homestead.” He noted a significant increase in his confidence when communicating with older adults, which he believes has positively impacted both his professional practice and his work on ambulance placements.
The students engaged in various activities, including assisting with daily care routines and participating in outings, which helped enhance their understanding of personal care. Isabel Moore expressed her appreciation for the opportunity, saying, “I enjoyed meeting all the residents and learnt amazing things about their lives. Doing the placement has helped me to understand so much more about personal care and I would love to come back and spend more time at the home.”
MHA The Homestead provides residential and dementia care for up to 68 residents. The establishment’s commitment to student learning was highlighted by Pawel Wisniowski, the home manager, who stated, “As home manager at The Homestead, I am committed to providing a high-quality placement environment for student paramedics that supports learning, professional development, and compassionate care.”
This placement not only benefited the students but also aimed to enhance the overall quality of care provided to residents, fostering a sense of community and understanding between generations. The initiative exemplifies how educational institutions and care facilities can collaborate to improve both student training and resident care experiences.
