Borough Care marked the International Day of Older Persons - celebrated annually on 1 October - by celebrating the rich and diverse lives of residents in its 11 homes, along with the impact they have had on society.
Dr Mark Ward, CEO at Borough Care, says: “Many of our residents have led interesting lives and had a very positive impact on their local community and wider society. The International Day of Older Persons is a great way to mark the contribution older people have made, and continue to make, to our society. Many older people have interesting stories to tell and invaluable advice to give, which we can all benefit from.”
Erika Sanders who lives at Borough Care’s Wellcroft in Gatley is one such resident. Sanders, now 98 years young, is originally from the Czech Republic. She was one of the last children to leave Germany during the war to start a new life in the UK. At one time, Sanders could speak three different languages - Czech, German and English - but since she began suffering with dementia she now only converses in German. At the age of 22, Sanders became the first female aircraft inspector for the Lancashire Bombers. Proving she was not someone to be messed with, during her career feisty Sanders championed for equal pay and won.
David Mills, who lives at Cawood House in Brinnington, has also led a life that has had a positive impact on those around him. Mills was a fire officer for Stockport at the time of the Stockport Air Disaster in 1967. He had just finished his shift when police knocked on his door to advise him of the plane crash. With the instruction to do whatever he could, Mills rushed to the scene to help out. Mills is immensely proud of the job he did and believes he and his colleagues did the best they possibly could when faced with such a monumental incident.
Dr Mark Ward continues: “When older people move to a care home, their rich lives shouldn’t come to a standstill. At Borough Care, we encourage residents to share their experiences and continue to lead an active social life if they wish.”
