Residents create videos reading bedtime stories

RESIDENTS from Care UK’s Cavell Court in Cringleford created videos of themselves reading famous children’s stories for youngsters – all to ensure no child goes to bed without a bedtime story no matter if they have someone to read to them or not.

After practicing their lines and perfecting their characters’ voices, residents took to the home’s lounge where the team had created a ‘storytelling throne’.

Equipped with blankets, puppets, cuddly toys and a good cup of tea, residents filmed their special stories.

Home manager Karen Curle said: “We all remember fondly the stories told to us as children, and the quality time spent reading family favourites with loved ones.

“Unfortunately, we know not every child is lucky enough to have their own grandparents to read to them, and the residents were keen provide them with an alternate experience to enjoy.

“It has been heart-warming to see the residents practice their lines and read their favourite stories out loud over the last few weeks.

“Nurturing a love of reading from an early age is so important in developing a child’s imagination and communication skills, while in older age reading can also help to improve concentration and reduce stress.

“From Cinderella to Jack and the Beanstalk, each of the residents’ four videos include something for all children to enjoy and are available for any family to view online.

“We hope children in Norfolk and beyond enjoy each of the stories and where they take their imagination.”

Included in the videos are residents, Peta Cremer, 78, who reads a retelling of Cinderella, Nihal Goonetilleke, 81, reading The Three Bears, Brenda Burman, 87, and her retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, and Nancy Thompson, 86, who reads The Three Little Pigs.

Ita works a care team leader, which she says is the most rewarding period of her career.

“Being promoted to care team leader was a real highlight for me and something I worked hard to achieve,” she added.

“The memory will always stick with me. The 48 years have gone by in a flash. I love the work; every day is unique, and I’ve made a good living out of doing something I enjoy.

“I have always said you don’t know your home until you know the residents and that when you know your residents, you know your home.

“Elizabeth House is a home-fromhome for me, and I really appreciate all the effort that has been made to make my celebrations so special.”

Ita started her care career in 1974 at Draper House, a residential care home, when it was owned by Dorset County Council. She chose to continue working for the service when the hospital transferred over to the Dorset Trust and Care South, until Draper House closed.

Ita then transferred to another Care South care home, Queensmead, before finally moving to Elizabeth House.

Simon added: “We are lucky to have lots of long-term team members who have stayed with us well in excess of 25 years, but Ita’s 48 years is really quite incredible, and there certainly seems to be no stopping her with her energy and enthusiasm.

“Ita has cared for hundreds of residents in our care and really is the perfect example of someone that was made for a career in care with absolute empathy and devotion to caring for everyone she meets.”