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10 year old ‘carer’ Maisie is just the job for Bonehill Lodge residents

The talents of 10 year old ‘carer’ Maisie-Mae Sturdy are keeping residents at a Bonehill care home fit and filling their days with fun and laughter.

The Millfield school pupil is a regular volunteer at Bonehill Lodge residential home on Park Lane where her grandmother, Julie, is the chef.

The youngster visits most weekends bringing ideas from school for craft projects she can do with her elderly friends. Among their favourite activities to do together is batting a balloon which helps to keep everyone moving.

“I love doing this, it’s good exercise!” said 85 year old Stuart Baker. “Maisie’s got so much energy, and it keeps me active.”

Bonehill Lodge is a family-run home offering residential and respite care for up to 26 residents. Previously part of the estate of Sir Robert Peel, the home sits on the edge of open fields and is ranked one of the top 20 West Midlands care homes by online directory, carehome.co.uk.

Manager, Mandy Chapman, said Maisie’s visits are beneficial both for the residents’ physical and mental wellbeing.

“Children bring a very different energy into the home and we have a lovely time when she comes in,” Mandy said. “Everybody is happy and there’s always lots of laughter.

“When Maisie sits and chats with the residents, she helps them to feel part of her life and what’s going on today. But her being here also helps with reminiscence; recalling happy times with their own children is very comforting for our residents and it sparks off conversation. They swap stories about their children kicking a ball in the street or playing kerby and it brings everyone together.”

Caring is something of a family business for Maisie, from Fazeley. Her mum, Lorren, is a carer and nan, Julie, has been at Bonehill Lodge for almost five years.

“I just really like coming in and spending time with the residents,” said the 10 year old. “Everyone’s really nice and we laugh a lot. I don’t know if I want to be a carer when I’m older but it would be nice to work somewhere like this where you have fun every day.”

And fun is certainly what she brings, together with a selection of biscuits residents can enjoy with a restorative cup of tea after the games.

“I love it when Maisie comes in, she’s lovely company,” said 86 year old Rosemary Cartwright. “The colourful balloons brighten everyone up. What fun we have, but I’m shattered afterwards!”

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