Northampton Physiotherapy Students Leave Lasting Impact on Milton Keynes Retirement Village
Three physiotherapy students from the University of Northampton have made an emotional impact during their placement at Lovat Fields Retirement Village in Milton Keynes, earning praise from both residents and staff.
Alfie, Lateef, and Lindsay were part of a long-arm placement. Over 7–9 weeks, they brought knowledge, compassion, and hands-on support to residents, transforming perceptions and making a real difference.
Alfie, reflected on the impact the experience had on him personally and professionally commenting: “I started to connect with residents, learn their stories, and understand how physiotherapy could impact their day-to-day lives in deeply meaningful ways.
I found the elderly population were easier to work on as a new student because they were so patient, friendly and happy to be a part of my professional development. Their interest in myself, the profession, and general engagement made building therapeutic relationships easier.
For the first time, I saw how my knowledge, decisions, and interactions could directly affect someone’s quality of life.”
This helped him rethink his goals. “It was humbling and motivating to know that my involvement had such a meaningful impact, one which I wouldn’t experience in other placement settings, particularly sports. It challenged and expanded my professional identity.”
Lindsay on the left, Alfie on the right and Lateef further right
Lateef admitted he had reservations before starting: “Before my placement, I honestly thought it wasn’t going to be relevant to me at all. I didn’t know what to expect from a retirement village and assumed it would feel like working in a care home.” However, the experience quickly changed his mind.
“Being in a retirement village turned out to be an invaluable experience, giving me confidence and showing me just how much, I can learn in settings I never expected. I feel proud and accomplished and it’s reshaped how I see future placements too.”
Lindsay echoed the sense of pride and connection adding: “The feedback we received from everyone has given me a good idea that we had succeeded in leaving a positive impression on the residents. I was very lucky to have this experience with ExtraCare and will carry what I learned from the ExtraCare family with me throughout my career.”
Kate Jarvis, Wellbeing Lead at ExtraCare praised the students’ contribution adding: “The student placements within our retirement villages have been a fantastic experience for both ExtraCare residents and the staff. The overall response has been overwhelmingly encouraging, with their work being well-received and appreciated for its person-centred approach. Their inspiration and dedication created an environment rich with opportunities for the entire village, and most importantly supported our residents to live better lives.”
The impact of the students’ presence was felt throughout the village and in a touching gesture, staff and residents penned the trio a poem to thank them concluding:
At Lovat Fields, where kindness grows
Among the garden’s gentle rows
Three bright stars have graced our days
With healing hands and thoughtful ways.
Alfie brings a cheerful grin
With steady care from deep within
He lifts with laughter, moves with grace
And lights up every resident’s face.
Lateef walks in with calm and poise
A quiet strength, a heart full of noise
Of joy, of purpose, steady and true
Helping legs to dance like they once knew.
Find out more about possible student placements at ExtraCare.
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