Care Home Residents Give their Best Advice to the Younger Generation on International Women’s Day

Staff and residents at Newfield Lodge care home in Castleford have been sharing their advice and special memories about what it means to be a strong woman this International Women’s Day.

The ladies enjoyed a delicious homemade afternoon tea in the on-site vintage tearoom to celebrate the occasion.

93-year-old Eileen Fryer believes being able to put the needs of others before yourself is truly the mark of a strong woman. She said, ‘Sometimes in life there will be times when you have to look after those around you and put their wellbeing first, to be able to be so selfless is truly a strong characteristic’.

96-year-old Joyce Dowse, who has lived at Newfield Lodge since 2018, thinks that having hobbies and interests is key to finding happiness and self-love. She said, ‘Often I see young girls pin so much of their happiness on relationships and if it doesn’t last, they end up lost and heartbroken. My advice to the younger generation is to have things in your life that make you happy that cannot be taken away – find the beauty in things around you and you will truly be independent and strongminded!’.

Resident, Linnette Battye, grew up with 5 siblings and remembers having to stand up for herself and make her place in the family ranks. She believes that every woman has a voice, and they should use it!. She said, ‘I often found myself biting my tongue as a child, and now, as an adult, I recognise the power and strength behind being a good communicator. I would tell young girls not to rise to others, find a way to get your point across without lowering yourself to their level.’.

General Manager, Lynn Robinson, said, ‘Newfield Lodge is brimming with exceptional women, who all have their own story, passions and wise words to pass on. It has been incredible taking the time to listen to stories of how our lovely ladies became the women they are today’.

Newfield Lodge is operated by Ideal Carehomes and recently achieved a ‘Good’ rating for a second time by the Care Quality Commission. All 64 bedrooms at the residential and dementia care home are en-suite, enabling staff to deliver dignified and person-centred care. Boasting spacious lounges, a hair salon and a cinema room, residents enjoy a full programme of health, leisure and wellbeing activities, managed by a dedicated lifestyle manager. To contact Newfield Lodge, please call Lynn on 01977 522 508 or visit https://www.idealcarehomes.co.uk/.