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

Staff and residents at Ebor Court care home in York, 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 home-made afternoon tea in the tearoom to celebrate the occasion.

92 year old resident, said, ‘I would tell young girls and women that you do not need a relationship to define you. You are perfect on your own and take the time to love yourself before rushing to love someone else’.

Elizabeth Cracknell, who joined the Ebor Court family in November 2020, said, ‘One of my greatest achievements that defined me as a woman was taking the time to invest in my career. I achieved my Occupational Therapy Degree from Oxford College before becoming the Head of Occupational Therapy at Saint Andrews School’. Elizabeth believes that focus, determination and a willingness to succeed is the key characteristics for being a strong woman, however, if in doubt, Elizabeth finds a long chat with a loved one or close friend should ease your troubles.

Christine Burnett, Care Assistant at Ebor Court since 2015 recalls events of her life that impacted her the most and made her the strong woman she is today. She said, ‘My husband was working as a fireman attending the York Minster fire in 1984. He was badly injured in the blaze and I had to step up and remain strong for our family. It took everything I had but when I look back it really proves there is nothing a strong female cannot handle’. Thankfully, Christine’s husband made a full recovery and was later introduced to Her Majesty The Queen who thanked him for his work and commended his bravery.

June Falkingham, 87, has always loved gardening and is now Ebor Court’s Head Gardener, coordinating the annual summer garden competition. June said, ‘My best advice I could give the younger generation is never give up your passion and try everything! You may not know what you like to do right now, so try everything until you find the thing you love and never give it up – my gardening keeps me fit, healthy and young at heart and I encourage everyone to find their passion!’.

Home Manager, Shane Talbot, said, ‘Ebor Court 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.’.

Ebor Court is operated by Ideal Carehomes and is proud to be rated as ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission. Residents at Ebor Court enjoy a full programme of health, leisure and wellbeing activities managed by a dedicated team of carers. All 64 bedrooms are en-suite, enabling staff to deliver person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible. For more information about Ebor Court, Contact Home Manager, Shane on 01904 782 708 or for more information visit https://ichlive1.wpengine.com