Care home residents share their relationship advice

With Valentine’s Day approaching, residents of Wiltshire care homes have offered advice to those seeking assistance in matters of the heart.

Elmfield Care asked their residents at Flowers Manor Care Home and Old Sarum Manor Care Home what relationship advice they have, with advice such as “learn to give and take”, “treat each other with love and care”, and “be careful when you get married” being shared.

Focusing on caring for each other was a common theme. Levinia, 84, Jill, 83 and George and Pat, 91 and 90, shared the advice “appreciate one another”, “treat each other with kindness”, and “look after each other”.

Derek, 80 and Mary, 81 shared optimistic advice. Derek shared that “love is what you make it” for those looking to be happy in love and Mary shared “be yourself and enjoy life.”

Val, 82, Di 71 and Margaret, 92 also offered valuable insights into successful relationships. Val emphasised choosing the right partner, sharing “make sure you are right for each other”. Whereas Di urged us to be cautious saying “be careful when you get married” and Maragret, 92 stressed compromising as the solution to being happy in love and shared “in marriage you’ve got to learn to give and take”.

Rachel Gittins, Head of Lifestyle, said: “With Valentine’s around the corner, we wanted to ask our residents what advice they would like to give to those wondering how they can be happy in love.

“Many of our residents have had long, happy relationships and we often find with age comes perspective and wisdom.

“From focusing on give and take to appreciating and looking after each other our resident’s advice was so lovely and helpful for those out there who may be looking for love this Valentines Day.”