As part of the immersive experience, Team Leader Alison Cooper and Patrina, daughter-in-law to one of the home’s residents, dressed in resident attire and spent the day living life as residents themselves. Meanwhile, residents Pauline, Margaret, and Jill stepped into care roles – leading activities, taking lunch orders, serving refreshments and even encouraging exercise with a lively round of “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”
The initiative aimed to give participants a true sense of what it feels like to both receive and provide care – with plenty of eye-opening, emotional, and joy-filled moments throughout the day.
“It gave me more empathy and a greater understanding of the conversations that happen around us,” said Alison. “It also made me realise just how busy the rest of the team are, and how easily we can fall into leading questions. This experience reminded me to listen more deeply and never presume.”
Patrina, experiencing life from her mother-in-law’s perspective, described the day as “an absolute eye-opener”, sharing that “I haven’t laughed so much in ages. It really showed me how hard care staff work - it’s a full-on job that requires so much compassion and patience.”
Meanwhile, resident Pauline – known for her energy and humour – led from the front. “I liked doing everything in my role. You just get on with it, don’t you? It made me admire Heidi (Registered Manager) and the team even more.”
Margaret, also taking on a team member role, called it “very strange, but very good”, adding that it was “rewarding to be the one looking after others for a change.”
The day also served as a reminder of CHD Living’s ethos – that there is no “us and them” – only community, respect, and shared experience.
Heidi Bradbury, Registered Manager at Surbiton Care Home, commented:
“At Surbiton Care Home, we pride ourselves on being more than a care home - we’re a family. This experience was both powerful and joyful. It gave our team and families a real sense of the emotional and physical dynamics of daily care. But most of all, it reinforced what we already know: our residents are capable, funny, and full of life. They led the day with warmth and strength. We couldn’t be prouder.”
The initiative forms part of CHD Living’s wider commitment to delivering person-centred care and creating meaningful opportunities for residents, families, and team members to connect. For more information: https://www.chdliving.co.uk/care/surbiton-care-home/